In developing the S3P^TM, we applied the following beliefs born of our experience and research. First, a process is a process and every process can benefit from Six Sigma. Second, non-manufacturing/soft processes and manufacturing processes present very unique challenges when implementing Six Sigma. Third, all modern Six Sigma or process engineering projects must leverage well designed information technology to be successful and fourth, nearly all information system projects involve process automation which should be engineered properly.

To address the unique challenges presented by soft processes as well as ensuring the integration of information technology for re-engineered processes, we developed the S3P^TM -- Six Sigma for Soft Processes. Our experience shows that soft processes can be substantially more difficult to get into a Six Sigma Mode. The challenges lie in the difficulty to clearly identify process variables, the difficulty to find process variables that can be measured without undue burden, and cultural resistance to changing white collar processes. The S3P^TM eliminates concerns by moving rapidly to the improvement of key processes, integration of horizontal process centric application design, and reducing the training and analysis traditionally associated with Six Sigma. While the S3P^TM is in some ways different than traditional DMAIC Six Sigma, the S3P^TM is in every way Six Sigma, follows the steps of Six Sigma, and is not meant to compete with Six Sigma. We view the S3P^TM as a customized version of Six Sigma for use on soft processes such as IT management, Human Resources, Sales Force Management, etc. Some of the fundamental differences between traditional Six Sigma as found in manufacturing, and the S3P^TM are described below.

• Places more emphasis on the big picture – whole process optimization (theory of constraints)
• Tailored to be better then DMAIC for implementation of Six Sigma in non-manufacturing and IT environments
• Emphasizes use of information systems for process automation
• Emphasizes early improvements of non-manufacturing processes with less define, measure, analyze
• Emphasizes greater use of technological and procedural benchmarking<
• Specifically addresses evolution as a phase and places emphasis on continuous improvement, seeking to deal with the greater degree of random variation and special case situations inherent to human driven processes
  

For more information on the S3P^TM Methodology, please contact us.