Various challenges can be addressed by implementing the enterprise project management (EPM) for Six Sigma method, said Fulcrum Business Solutions business analyst Nadia Pistorius at a recent presentation at Microsoft SA.
Six Sigma is a business initiative to enhance and reduce defects in the products and/or services of an organisation, Pistorius explained.
EPM for Six Sigma is a project lifecycle management and reporting solution, based on the Microsoft EPM platform, she said.
It focuses, she said, on fundamental process knowledge with a structured, data-driven, problem-solving method of rigorous data-gathering and statistical analysis.
The solution serves to make an organisation`s customers more competitive, said Roney Ndala, regional operations manager for the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller of the West Rand District Municipality.
"A key sign that Six Sigma is implemented successfully is if a company`s performance meets and exceeds expectations."
But, he added, Six Sigma is a living methodology that needs to continue as long as a business does, with a critical focus on customer satisfaction. "There is no room for complacency or easing off Six Sigma projects. Sustaining their gains is critical.
"The Six Sigma mindset says that a customer is a person - not an organisation - with whom you have a relationship." Customer satisfaction means no doubt, suspicion or uncertainty exists regarding a product or service, he said.
When implementing Six Sigma, it is important for an organisation to establish a formal communication plan through setting up a database for "lessons learned" and share what has been achieved with other employees, Ndala explained.
Fulcrum`s Pistorius commented that EPM for Six Sigma facilitates the establishment of an opportunity and project pipeline.
It also addresses challenges associated with business goals, and assists with financial and metrics alignment, while facilitating the set up of reporting and management structures for projects.
In addition, Pistorius said, EPM for Six Sigma can provide project, financial and metrics monitoring and address project resource availability, management and utilisation.
Organisations can also benefit from EPM for Six Sigma in terms of information sharing and easier data accessibility, as well as better communication and collaboration.
"EPM for Six Sigma is a platform to execute, manage and report on Six Sigma projects, making it easy to export data to Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Visio. It can be utilised for any type of project, providing a structured, but flexible solution," Pistorius said.
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