FAQs

How do typical engagements work?

Each client engagement is different and ultimately depends on what the customer’s needs are but there is a general process that we like to follow.  We will meet with the client to understand the client’s needs, pain points, and opportunities. Based on this meeting, we’ll determine if additional scoping is needed to provide at Level of Effort (LOE) and Project Plan. This will be provided to our customers before work begins.

What type of resources are needed for the project?

The 2 most important resources needed for Lean Six Sigma to be successful are access to process subject matter experts and available data. Access to these resources will save time collecting baseline data and mapping out the existing processes. During our initial discussions with stakeholders and project champions, we will work to identify these resources and outline the requirements needed for the project to be successful.

What type of resources are needed for the project?

Our Lean Six Sigma projects typically follow a Six Sigma project methodology where deliverables outlined in the project plan are provided to our customers at each phase.   Each project and the processes being evaluated are different and the time spent in each project phase will be dictated based on the customer’s needs.  Below are typical deliverables for each project phase depending on whether the customer’s opportunity is reducing waste, eliminating defects, or both.

How long do consulting engagements typically take?

The length of the project and the resources involved will be determined upfront when the project is initially scoped with our clients.  Typical engagements last between 1-6 months depending on the size and complexity of the organization and project scope.

Why hire an outside consultant to do this work?

It’s important to view this as an investment and look at the ROI you will get on this investment. We will be coming in with a fresh set of eyes to analyze your processes and the right skill set to deliver results and make changes quickly.

Phase Reducing Waste Reducing Defects

Define

Further defined problem/opportunity statement, VOC, Refined Goal Statement, High-level Process Flowcharts, Stakeholder Analysis, Scope Analysis, CTQs,  Project Charter, Value Stream Maps Further defined problem/opportunity statement, VOC,  Refined Goal Statement, High-level Process Flowcharts, Stakeholder Analysis, Scope Analysis, CTQs, Project Charter
Measure Data Collection Plan, Baseline Metrics, 5S Data Collection Plan, Baseline Metrics, Data Verification/Gage R&R
Analyze Detailed Process Map, Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys Detailed Process Map, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA
Improvement Solution Prioritization Matrix, Implementation Plan, Improvement Metrics Solution Prioritization Matrix, Implementation Plan, Improvement Metrics
Control Control Plan, Team Report Out, Project Summary Control Plan, Control Charts, Team Report Out, Project Summary