Can Six Sigma and Business Process Management Co-Exist?
By: Marvin Wurtzel, President, Marvin M. Wurtzel & Associates Wednesday February 21, 2007 One of the most powerful ways to improve business performance is combining business process management (BPM) strategies with Six Sigma strategies. BPM strategies emphasize process improvements and automation to drive performance, while Six Sigma uses statistical analysis to drive quality improvements. The two strategies are not mutually exclusive, however, and some savvy companies have discovered that combining BPM and Six Sigma can create dramatic results. BPM Basics First, take a look at the basics of BPM. It uses a four step method to create better processes and improve performance. The steps are as follows: • Document the process from start to finish, capturing each step along the way • Assess the process performance and identify metrics, using findings as the basis for continuous process improvement • Improve the process to improve quality, efficiency, customer satisfaction, etc. • Manage the
