Six Sigma project initiation services that start the right project, the right way
Our Six Sigma project initiation services help enterprises and small and mid-sized businesses choose the problem worth solving, agree what success looks like, and launch with a team and a plan that hold up. Every engagement uses proven Lean Six Sigma methods.
Why Six Sigma project initiation services decide the outcome
Most improvement projects fail before they start: the problem is vague, the sponsor is not engaged, or the benefit was never measured. Initiation is the Define phase of DMAIC, and it is where a small amount of disciplined effort protects the rest of the investment.
Lean asks
Where does effort go that the customer would not pay for? Waiting, rework, over-processing, motion and unused talent all show up early, and often point to quick wins.
Six Sigma asks
What does the data say, and how much does the process vary? Every project is anchored to a baseline, a target and a financial case.
How We initiate a project
A five-step sequence, scaled to the size of your project.
- Frame the problemInterview the sponsor and process owners. Write a specific problem statement with scope, in and out.
- Hear the customerTurn voice-of-customer input into critical-to-quality measures the project will move.
- Map and baselineSketch the process at high level, then capture current performance from data you already hold.
- Build the caseEstimate benefits and costs, and check the project against your strategic priorities.
- Charter and launchAgree the charter, roles, timeline, risks and communication rhythm. Hold a kickoff with the team.
Methods and tools we use
Project charter
One page covering problem, goal, scope, team, milestones and business case.
SIPOC
Suppliers, inputs, process, outputs and customers on one view, to set boundaries.
Voice of customer and CTQ tree
Translates broad customer needs into measurable requirements.
Stakeholder analysis
Shows who must support the work, and how to bring them in early.
Project selection matrix
Ranks candidate projects by impact, effort and strategic fit.
Baseline and data plan
Defines the metric, the data source and the collection method before work begins.
High-level process map
Reveals handoffs, delays and rework loops worth investigating.
Cost-benefit and risk log
Puts a defensible value on the project and lists what could derail it.
Six Sigma project initiation services built for SMEs and tight budgets
Improvement should not require a large programme office. Our initiation services are designed so that a smaller organisation gets rigour without overhead.
- Right-sized tools. A one-page charter and a whiteboard SIPOC replace heavy documentation.
- Use what you have. I work from data in your existing spreadsheets and systems, with no software purchase.
- Fixed scope and fee. You know the cost before we start, with no open-ended hours.
- Quick wins first. Lean waste checks often uncover savings that fund the next project.
- Skills transfer. Your people learn the templates, so the next initiation can be run in-house.
Rapid Start
Half-day workshop to frame one problem and produce a signed charter.
Project Launch
Charter, SIPOC, customer requirements, baseline data and business case for one project.
Portfolio Kickstart
Identify, score and prioritise several projects, and launch the first.
What you receive
- A signed project charter with measurable goals
- A SIPOC and high-level process map
- Customer requirements linked to CTQ measures
- Baseline performance and a data collection plan
- A business case and risk log
- A stakeholder plan and kickoff pack for the project team
Let’s scope your first project
Tell us the problem you want solved. We shall confirm if it is a good Lean Six Sigma candidate and what Six Sigma project initiation services would involve for you.
Cho Yaw Teo, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt · choyaw@lean6consulting.com