Six Sigma

Step 1 - Learn about six-sigma.

Six-sigma is a set of improvement methods and methodologies that are proven and established. Six-sigma survives with the help of tools and measurements that can effectively improve processes and products. So, to summarize – an organization uses proven facts to manage and execute processes when six-sigma is implemented.

In six-sigma, the variations and deviations from the expected output is minimized. Each six-sigma level is measure against the level of deviation from the desired and acceptable output.

Step 2 - Learn about the key measurements used in six-sigma.

· Critical to quality (CTQ),

· Mean (μ),

· Standard deviation,

· Defects per million Opportunities (DPMO), and

· Process capability (Cp, Cpk).

Step 3 - What are the improvement methodologies in six-sigma?

a. DMAIC to reduce process variations and defects to ultimately improve processes.

Define --> Measure --> Analyze --> Improve --> Control

b. DFSS to design new processes and products.

Define --> Measure --> Analyze --> Design --> Verify

c. Lean Six-sigma to improve efficiency and speed of the processes.

·                     Zero Wait Time

·                     Line Balancing

·                     Zero inventory

·                     Process Scheduling

·                     Reduce Investment

·                     Reduce Batch Sizes

·                     Reduce Process Cycle Time

Step 4 – How can six-sigma be applied in software industries?

There is no clear-cut information or guideline to this, but there are several ideas that can be experimented with.

The first step is to analyze the area, which needs improvement. And to do this, the organization will need to monitor a project closely and examine as to which areas does the project lack quality in. Is it requirements gathering, design or testing?

Some clear indicators of missed/poor quality may be:

· Too many regression defects.

· Release cycles take longer than anticipated and planned. 

· Requirements being left out during development and testing. 

· Large gap between design and development.

Based on the indicators, it is easy to focus on the problem area. Once the problem area is identified, the DMAIC methodology or some variants can be applied to successfully implement six-sigma. Before that we need to study the problem factors in detail, such as:

· Number of regression defects after each fix.

· Number of regression defects per module.

· How much is each release delayed by, and are there any external factors contributing to this delay such as network unavailability, resource shortage etc.?

· Number of uncovered requirements per module.

· How many design specific defects are being uncovered in each story?

Once the factors are studied, analyzed and understood, six-sigma must be applied to eliminate the reasons for low quality by introducing ideas, procedures, tools and utilities.

· Carrying out a round of sanity testing to make sure regression defects are found out, fixed and thus minimized with every passing cycle. 

· Use of an appropriate defect prevention or defect reduction tool.

· Prepare Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) to ensure that all requirements are covered/tested.

· Preparation of gap analysis document to capture any left out requirements.

· Proper communication procedure established between design and development team. 

Step 5 - What role does six-sigma play in software quality?

The whole point of implementing six-sigma in organizations is that as time goes by, six-sigma becomes the way of doing things. So, in software industry, when six-sigma is implemented:

· Development and integration is speeded up.

· Testing quality is improvised. 

· Repeatability of software development process is improved.

· More focus is given to customer requirements. 

· Overall software process improvement.

· High quality product delivery.

Step 6 - Learn about implementing Six-sigma

· Get help from professional bodies.

· Establish a dedicated management team.

· Train employees and QA professionals on six-sigma.

· Choose projects to implement six-sigma wisely.

· Give importance to customer needs.

· Understand the financial aspects (expenses and gain) when six-sigma is implemented. 

· Establish the required infrastructure for successful implementation six-sigma.

· Once implemented, study financial and operational results. 

· Continuously monitor and improve the processes. 

Step 7 - Does implementing six-sigma guarantee returns?

It is a debatable topic as to how six-sigma can actually benefit a software organization. Improvising quality will increase customer satisfaction that will ultimately improve business profits and reputation. However, the investment that six-sigma demands must be measured against the organization size, its competition in the market and whether six-sigma can actually benefit the organization.

and its employees.