How can I apply six sigma to a handyman / facilities maintenance business?
Question:
Answer:
When you are creating new processes, you use the DMADV method (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, verify), instead of the typical DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control). There are a number of books for both Six Sigma and DFSS (Design For Six Sigma) which should get you on your way.
I like the author Pyzdek, but there are a ton of books and authors out there- search Amazon or go to your local bookstore.
My understanding of six sigma is that you first need to design/define the main processes of how you will go about your business. When you hire employees, some should be trained on six-sigma (perhaps up to green belt level) so they know that this is something that you, the management believe in. I'm no expert in the subject, but this is what I understand about it. Hope this helps.
The best approach is to ensure that there are no redundacnt processes from the start. For example, put pen to paper and outline how you plan on processing incoming reqeusts,tracking jobs completed as well as your financials. Do you plan to hire someone for each of these areas, or can you cross trian them to be able to handle any of these situations. So, even you have 2 resources,they're both trained in both areas and can fill in as needed. Also, how do you keep track of y our inventory, do you have a manual tracking sheet,,which is updated regularly. Or do you have a more efficient process where you know exactly how many jobs you will be anticipating(forecasting) based on historical data(high and low times through year) and make sure that you have just enough items to compelte those jobs,,so that you dont have to carry inventory cost. I could give you many more suggestions if these were helpful. I am in the very early stages of strting my own six sigma consulting firm and our foucs area is exactly your size companies,,
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