The use of Six Sigma Maps and Flowcharts

The process according to six sigma is the total number of sequences, series and the arrangements of events, steps or measurements done repeatedly for the production of quality products or services. Changing a process is the first step in a six sigma improvement program in order to reduce the costs and improve quality. There are different types of graphical representation for a process or procedure to show its flow type style of all actions and conclusion taking place in a process. There are process maps, flow charts, and SIPOC diagrams used for the graphical representation of the process.

Process Maps:

The process maps are same as the flowchart but some elements are different form the flowchart. process maps are often more detailed than flowchart and also includes a timeline. Process mapping is a hierarchical method of illustrating how a product or transaction is processed. It contains all the activities that transforms a well organized and defined input or inputs into a pre defined set of outputs. The process mapping gives us a visual representation of the work flow with in a process.

Flowcharts:

A flowchart is a graphical representation of a process, used as a tool that shows the input, activities and output of the process. It represents the entire process from the start to the finishing point, and act as a serving instructional manual for facilitating detailed analysis and improving the workflow and service delivery. A flowchart helps in attaining an entire process at a detailed level of observation. Flowcharts help in the successful implementation of six sigma programs.

SIPOC Diagram:

“supplier inputs outputs and customer” diagram is created at the initial stage of the process, that is to define the phase of a six sigma project. It is to ensure that the supplier, inputs, process, outputs and the customer have identified and are agreed by all the members of the team.

Block Diagram- flowchart:

The graphical tool, that make use of the picture of any given process or procedure. It shows the design of the connection of its components or the elements and the logical flow of the process or the procedure. Different shapes are used to represent each item in the diagram. For example:

To indicate the process “rectangle” shape is used

To indicate the connector “circle” shape is used

To indicate the extract “triangle” shape is used

To indicate the decision “diamond” shape is used

The elements contained in a graphs are the starting point to the process and its sub-processes, an ending points to the process and its sub-processes, inputs, outputs and other types of direction and decisions which leads to another potential direction.

Complex Block Diagram:

A mixture of the sequences of the processes or procedures and is also an analogy of the process of procedure.