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Duration: 2 Days
Participants: Anyone Involved in "day-to-day" Process Improvement or Problem Solving

Plenty of business problems don't require the full rigor of Six Sigma DMAIC or process design. But how do you attack these smaller-scale or less complex issues without falling back into the "ready-fire-aim" practices you're trying to drive out of the organization? Pivotal Resources has created a unique answer - Six Sigma FastTrack℠ - an innovative workshop that produces measurable business results quickly, using our four-phase "DISC" model:

• Define - Clarify the problem, verify that it qualifies for FastTrack and ensure buy-in for a rapid-strike solution
• Investigate - Test causes against existing knowledge and data, examine the process and confirm customer requirements
• Streamline - Develop and implement solutions supported by plans to manage "unintended consequences"
• Control - Track the solution to validate gains and ensure results are sustained

FastTrack doesn't replace more analytical approaches, but offers an optional strategy perfect for situations, for example, where causes seem clear and/or solutions apparent. Because it preserves the customer focus and process discipline found in DMAIC, FastTrack ensures that short-term solutions are implemented only after examining data, testing assumptions and managing risks. Speed and results are achieved while avoiding the haphazard, trial-and-error problem solving of the past.

The FastTrack course is a working session in which the DISC methodology is learned and immediately applied to a real-life improvement opportunity in your business. Participants learn how to select the right opportunities for a “quick fix” and which require a more in-depth approach.

NOTE: FastTrack training can also be expanded to allow for the development of your own internal “rapid problem solving” facilitators. Contact Pivotal Resources for more information on this option.

Objectives

• Recognize important business problems and determine when a "rapid" versus "analytical" approach is appropriate
  
  
• Understand the difference between a haphazard "quick fix" and a more effective approach to rapid process improvement
  
  
• Convert various perspectives and opinions (what we think the problem is) to a fact-based problem definition
  
  
• Validate and explain the problem impact in terms of business, process and customer needs
  
  
• Assess potential solutions in terms of benefits, likelihood of success, and impact on the larger process
  
  
• Test and implement solutions quickly, with the ability to objectively assess/measure results
  
  
• Plan to develop buy-in and ongoing sustainability of “FastTrack” solutions