THE
SIX

SIGMA
MAP

AND

TRAVEL GUIDE

Introduction to the Six Sigma Map and Travel Guide

The Six Sigma implementation is often compared with being a journey, and indeed there are many resemblances. It is an unknown landscape, where one often learns a foreign language and eats funny food. Just as with traveling, preparation helps; planning is part of the pleasure, but there is no guarantee that you will arrive at the destination. A journey through the Six Sigma landscape is not a one or two week event, but an expedition that requires a lot of time. It is a journey which changes the lives of the people and the organization.

A good map and travel guide are essential companions when traveling. A good map provides the opportunity to deviate from the route if time requires or permits. Furthermore, it shows the surroundings, the main attractions, the shortcuts as well as the obstacles one can expect. The map of Six Sigma shows a diverse landscape through which organizations, project teams and individuals wander. A landscape where not only statisticians and managers but also controllers, operators, engineers, HR-specialists and many more can find their home.

Good preparation does not end with a acquiring a map. This booklet is a “mini travel guide” to complement the map. A writing with descriptions of landscapes, with tourist tips about the major cities and, of course, a legend to all the places.

As often with traveling, the preparation can be a pleasurable part of the trip full of anticipation and excitement. All what is left for me is to wish you all a pleasant journey. Perhaps we’ll meet along the way.

 

Ton Wesseling, Traveler