The Six Sigma Method and Design of ExperimentsWritten by By Peter Peterka (www.6sigma.us)
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companies have invented roadmaps for DFSS like IDOV (Identify, Design, Optimize and Validate) and DMADV (Design, Measure, Analyze, Design and Verify). Six Sigma and Design of Experiments Once an organization has decided on method and project y’s, Belts are marched off to training “waves” bringing management-approved projects to class. DMAIC Green Belt training is normally two one-week sessions separated by one month. Black Belt training waves are extended by two additional months with two more weeks of training. The emphasis during extended two weeks of Black Belt training is often on learning more details about advanced tools such as Design of Experiments (DOE). So where does Design of Experiments fit into Six Sigma? Six Sigma is about understanding and controlling variation of key process variables known as inputs or x’s in order to obtain improved results on project outputs or y’s. In Design of Experiment terms these inputs or x’s are often referred to as factors and outputs are referred to as responses. In nearly all Six Sigma projects relationship of project y’s takes on form of y=f(x1,x2,...xn). Wait a minute, isn’t this what Design of Experiments is all about? Of course, for almost 100 years Design of Experiments has been proven to be one of best known methods for validating and discovering relationships between responses and factors. In Six Sigma terms it is discovering relationship between outputs called y’s and inputs called x’s. Today’s Six Sigma Belts are primarily taught to focus their use of Design of Experiments in Improve phase of DMAIC and Optimize phase of IDOV. For DMAIC Six Sigma training most common experimental designs taught are factorial and fractional factorial designs. Some curriculums introduce response surface designs and optimization designs at a high level. DFSS includes experimental designs taught in all levels of DMAIC training and often expands to include concept of robust designs. As an alternative to classical approach, there are also a number of consulting companies teaching Taguchi designs as preferred method for robust design. Final Remarks Six Sigma looks as though it is here to stay and even in today’s slow economy one of few areas where there still are a number of new positions. The Six Sigma process is a great step toward creating learning organizations with its well-defined roadmaps and management structure. As with most new methodologies Six Sigma will mature and grow as it expands into new areas such as DFSS. As Six Sigma professionals learn more about power of properly planned experiments, Design of Experiments will be integrated into most phases of Six Sigma roadmap and not just considered an advanced tool for improvement and optimization phases. Experienced practitioners of statistical methods like Design of Experiments should learn language of Six Sigma and help integrate new methods into Six Sigma process to improve its effectiveness.
Peter Peterka is the leading consultant for www.6sigma.us. Peter has eleven years of experience performing as a Master Black Belt, working with numerous companies, including 3M, Dell, Dow, GE, HP, Intel, Motorola, Seagate, and Xerox. You can signup for Peter's Six Sigma Certification at www.6sigma.us.
| | International Shipping/Freight for DummiesWritten by Paul Buisson
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(usually ocean freight or air cargo), destination and origin details (door to door, door to port, port to door or port to port), residential or business origin/destination, if a lift gate is needed at origin or destination, a description of contents, Length, height and width of each pallet or box (unless you are shipping an entire ocean container), and amount of insurance coverage if needed. This information will get you an accurate freight quote. If you accept quote an agent of freight forwarder will get remaining details from you.Follow these tips to protect yourself from misleading quotes. Make sure quote is confirmed by a FAX/email. Verify that fuel charge, customs clearance fees, customs brokerage fees, and trucking fees (if applicable), insurance (if applicable), and transit time are included in quote. The destination location usually pays duties and taxes to their government. If you are new to importing or exporting you can go to www. shipandfreigt.com or phone Paul Buisson at 985-727-2992 for free advise.
Paul Buisson has been helping small businesses import and export for over three years. He specializes in helping start-up businesses and businesses that don’t know anything about international freight. Recently he helped a small business with one employee win the bid for a large military contract shipping items to Iraq.
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