| So, is it impossible for the small business to bring in | | | | new certifications. They can ensure that the changes |
| improvements using Six Sigma methodology? The | | | | and improvements made are utilized properly and |
| answer is no, as there are consultants who are | | | | tools and metrics employed effectively. |
| specialized in assisting small businesses - and the small | | | | Small businesses do not have bulky processes. Thus, |
| business can find itself growing due to the | | | | it is a matter of improving small processes. The |
| improvements brought in. | | | | decision-making is fast, since not many members are |
| Another option is to undertake the training of a few | | | | involved in the chain. |
| members of the business who can implement their | | | | Senior management can be easily approached on |
| knowledge and start off with the changes and | | | | different issues and resolution will be very much |
| improvements. | | | | within reach. |
| This will allow them to get the same financial benefits | | | | Auditing Issues |
| that the big businesses get from Six Sigma. | | | | Small business can undertake Six Sigma |
| Small-Scale Focus | | | | improvements in the necessary areas. |
| Though it is often seen that big businesses will | | | | Further, to ensure that they are on the right track, |
| venture into bringing in changes easily, small | | | | they can employ the services of a consultant on an |
| businesses should not hesitate to take such steps to | | | | annual basis, who can undertake audits of the various |
| change and improve. | | | | critical areas. |
| Many small businesses are family-run ventures; and if | | | | An overall audit can also be beneficial. The consultant |
| not, they may be a close-knit group of people | | | | may concentrate on areas, where the efforts may |
| undertaking the business activities. It is possible to | | | | be lacking in achieving the expected financial results. |
| undertake the training of few people from the | | | | They can advise the members on what sort of |
| businesses who will get all possible training on Six | | | | changes and improvement options may be used in |
| Sigma tools and techniques. | | | | such areas. |
| As they have the knowledge of running the business | | | | A consultant may also be able to advise them on the |
| and know they have scope for improvements, they | | | | Six Sigma process in the initial stages as well. |
| would be in a better situation to understand and start | | | | The beauty of Six Sigma is in utilizing and designing it |
| with improvement solutions. The business being small, | | | | to suit the need of all sorts of businesses. The small |
| they can carefully and systematically cover more | | | | business should be determined in bringing about the |
| areas as compared to bigger organizations. | | | | changes and improvements using Six Sigma. |
| Moreover, as they improve and grow, they can | | | | Well-implemented projects can give good financial |
| undertake to train people at various stages of the | | | | results and bring about the Six Sigma culture, which |
| project. They can keep themselves up to date with | | | | can be beneficial to small businesses. |