Create Process Responsibility With Six Sigma
The process owner’s job is to maintain quality and control of all of the processes put in place by the Six Sigma system. They often may have a few process operators assisting them. If the system is maintained, the business will prosper, and the process server will gain from the improvements. But if the system or processes begin to malfunction, then the process owner will suffer.
The position of process owner is important to the scheme. They must maintain a clear line of communication with the Six Sigma implementation team in order to “own” the process. They should be reviewing and monitoring each part of the project as they progress to different stages. Participation during the Define and Measure phases is critical, otherwise the Black Belt may not receive the correct information, and the implementation could be ineffective.
Unless there is buy-in or involvement of the process owner, the Black Belts may even find resistance from the process owner during implementation to a certain extent. They will then have to implement and execute the improved process successfully with the help of other team members. The ultimate success of the project lies with the process owner - and the Black Belts.
The involvement of the process owner from the very beginning of the project is necessary. If the Champion or project simply leader define the business problem and inform the Black Belts that it is up to them to get it solved, the process owner will be put on the defensive; they will probably resist the changes proposed by the Black Belts, feeling that the project is being forced onto the team. If the process owner is not involved right from the beginning, they may not assist the Six Sigma team in their activities. They may not implement the new process - or after a period time, simply revert back to the old one. The buy-in of the process owner is vital to the success of the Six Sigma improvement process. After all, they play an important role in making Six Sigma a culture of the organization.
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