Quality and Six Sigma have been around for a long time. For many of us, they should now be one strategy that we employ when appropriate. A basic approach used by many is the DMAIC framework which stands for Design, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. I think it is important to understand the link between BPM and Six Sigma.
BPM Basics does a good job of mapping the DMAIC tasks to the typical functionality of a BPM system. (http://www.bpmbasics.com/literature/sixsigma.html) I have met with several Six Sigma experts and their feedback has been that the solutions map very well to the "AIC" components:
- Analyze - By modeling your processes in a BPM environment, you can leverage some of the simulation tools that exist. Additionally, for future improvements, the data and process history helps drive you right to the root cause of issues.
- Improve - Because these tools allow you to make real-time changes, you are able to improve the process as you go. Some tools such as Lombardi even offer suggested process improvements based on how the process is actually used (e.g., this decision is always yes so you should eliminate the step).
- Control - This is a big strength of the BPM tools. Reporting is called BAM (Business Activity Monitoring) in the industry and presents a process dashboard based on the metrics you build into the process. Additionally, because the process is automated using rules, you have instantaneous control over the process and tracking of exceptions.
Training on BPM and Six Sigma is available at http://www.bpminstitute.org/training/bpm-and-six-sigma.html.
There is also an upcoming webinar on Six Sigma and BPM by Appian http://www.appian.com/Campaigns/web011807.html.
Another white paper on BPM and Six Sigma.
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