Last Updated on 9 September 2023
The control phase toll-gate is the final review, and so you need to check that everything is complete on the project before final sign-off. The Control Phase is a critical part of any Six Sigma project, marking its completion and ensuring the momentum of process improvements well into the future. Among the main tasks of this phase is the toll-gate review, the final appraisal that acts as the project’s definitive sign-off.
Let’s delve deeper and explore what makes a successful toll-gate review and what you should be on the lookout for:
KPIs for Ongoing Monitoring
The control phase involves choosing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for ongoing monitoring. These are essential metrics for evaluating the performance of the improvements implemented, allowing for timely adjustments if required.
Finance Department Sign-off
The Finance department should sign off on all improvements, given they directly influence the financial outcomes. This quantification of improvements lends credibility to the project and builds a strong case for more process improvement projects in the future.
Updated Documentation
Creating updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training plans ensures that the new methods are incorporated into everyday business practices. It’s a measure to sustain the gains made through the project and promote company-wide adherence to the new processes.
Data Collection Plan for the KPIs
Setting up a robust data collection plan for the chosen KPIs is key. This should be embedded within standard procedures so that consistent, relevant data is always available for analysis. An efficient data collection plan helps in tracking performance and supporting future improvements.
New KPI Baseline
Establishing a new baseline for the chosen KPIs is important. This revised benchmark will facilitate direct comparison between pre- and post-improvement performance, thus demonstrating the impact of your Six Sigma project.
Process Owner Confirmation
The Control phase confirms or appoints a process owner. This individual oversees maintaining and improving the new processes going forward, thereby ensuring continuity and ownership.
Customer Review
You are often performing the project to improve value to the process customer, be it an internal or external party, so it’s essential to get their feedback to make sure that they have seen the improvements, even if you have measured them internally. A successful project should have the customer
Communicating Process Lessons
Lessons learned should be shared with other process improvement teams to promote cross-pollination of ideas and prevent the repetition of mistakes.
Investigating Project Lessons
Investigate and analyze the lessons learned during the project and consider its applicability to other departments or product lines. This may sow the seeds for further improvements in other areas of the business.
Celebrating Successful Closure
Finally, milestones should always be celebrated. Acknowledging the project’s success boosts team morale and fuels enthusiasm for future projects.
The toll-gate review thus plays a pivotal role in not just concluding a Six Sigma project, but also in setting the stage for continuous, sustainable improvement. Implementing these checks at the control phase toll-gate review paves the path for a culture of excellence — the true essence of Six Sigma.
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