TABLE OF CONTENTS Over the last several years, Six Sigma has almost become a household word. It has been popularized by Jack Welch and others and was even used by the U.S. government to fight the war on terror. There are a plethora of resources that delve into what Six Sigma is in depth. This chapter will offer an overview of the methodology.
If you are not using these tools today, then this chapter will provide you with some insight into what they are and help you gain a clear understanding of their purpose. If you are currently using these tools, then this chapter will serve as a reminder of their effectiveness and, in conjunction with the remainder of the book, offer you an understanding of how they can be woven into the business fabric.
Let's start by looking at Figure 3-1. What comes to mind when you see this drawing? To put it another way: What is wrong with this picture? What is obvious? Clearly, using a single pulley and rope to lift a pallet of bricks is not the most effective method. How safe is it? Just look at those sandbags holding down the pulley post. It does not seem very safe. The obvious solution is that a hydraulic lift should be used to raise the bricks up to the working area. Right? Now, what is not so obvious? Step back and think about the...
