Six Sigma, Work Instructions, and Quality Management
Six Sigma Phases
Define specific goals to achieve outcomes, consistent with customers. Measure reductions of defects. Analyze problems; cause and effects must be considered. Improve process based on measurements and analysis. Control process to minimize defects.
Work Instruction Elements
Purpose of the instruction, scope of instruction, definitions, responsibility, procedure, related documents, attachments.
Procedures vs. Work Instructions vs. Records
A procedure describes how a process is performed, while a work instruction describes how a task is performed. Work instructions tend to be more specific than procedures.
Procedures and work instructions can take any suitable form as long as the result is effective. ISO does not specify what form these documents should take. Procedures can take the form of a narrative, a flow chart, a process map, or any other suitable form. As long as the procedure is effective, it doesn’t matter what it looks like.
Work instructions can also take any suitable form. However, one of the best ways to document a work instruction is to use a form. Forms are particularly useful because they become records once they’re filled in.
Work instructions describe how tasks should be done, while records document how tasks were actually done. Work instructions are used before the task is performed, while records are used after the task has been performed.
Typical Procedure Components
Objective, procedure, range of position, definitions, divider, responsibility, mode of procedure, binded documents, attachments.
Instruction Elements
Purpose, scope, definitions, responsibility, instructions, associated documents, annexes.
Instruction Content
An instruction should contain:
- A detailed description of how to perform the activity or set of activities.
- Information about the necessary materials, tools, and equipment.
- Description of the condition ensuring repeatability of the operation.
- The list of persons performing various activities.
- Documentation of performance and results of operations.
What is a “Book of Quality”?
A book of quality is a special document prepared by a chosen group of managers. After the ISO 9001 certificate is granted, and the company holds this certificate, this book is the guideline for all procedures regulating nearly the whole “life” of the company. The appointed manager, who was specially trained, is responsible in the name of the whole company for complying with the rules of ISO 9001. He is also empowered to plan, prepare, and implement the procedures, and to supervise all departments of the company, how ISO 9001 is used. The aim of the book of quality is presenting the rules of the quality management system within the organization, the scope of the system and exemptions of the processes and their mutual influence. It includes a list of procedures of the quality management system, and also includes general information about company.
The book of quality is a guidebook through the system and is designed for internal use in the company and for the customer in order to present him the functions of implemented quality management system. It is a subject of ongoing updating.