SIX SIGMA

Through an intensive working relationship, companies work one-on-one with Six Sigma Black Belt and WSU Tri-Cities Carson College of Business professor Tim Baker. Develop your expertise in Six Sigma and improve company processes and procedures to help maximize efficiency. Identify and reform deficiencies to improve upon existing processes, as well as develop new processes that best fit your business model and goals.

WHAT IS SIX SIGMA?

• A structured, team-based method to improve process performance
• Exploratory: Path to improvement is determined based on end goals, but also up to what is needed based on your company needs and goals
• Confirmatory: Project ends with client-verified quantifiable major improvement

Example successes of WSU Tri-Cities program

Sandvik Specialty Metals (Finley):
24.1% reduction in production line output rate variability due to improved coolant mixture.

Washington Hanford Closure (Richland):
$718,000 saved due to reduction in time to obtain field samples for health physicists. Achieved due to better coordination and simplification of collection process.

Grace Medical Clinic (Kennewick):
17% reduction of patient time per visit.
Due to:
a) Creating more multitasking among staff
b) Improved scheduling software

Areva (Richland):
$76,000 reduction in spare parts inventory over two months.
Due to:
a) Clarification of stockroom procedures
b) Better training for material handlers