| Six Sigma in manufacturing is completely | | | | begin with 'the customer is always right' approach. You |
| understandable. For the same logic to apply to | | | | can use a number of metrics, tools and charts to |
| software products, it still has a long way to go to | | | | define customer specifications for critiquing and |
| establish itself. However, for the moment it is safe to | | | | analyzing various parameters such as cost, quality and |
| assume that there exist factors within the software | | | | schedules at different levels. |
| industry that contribute to the shift that we discussed | | | | There is no reason why Six Sigma will not go beyond |
| above. This also makes way for examples such as | | | | cosmetic improvements and changes in the software |
| constant changing tools like hardware & software, | | | | industry. The 'goal questioning metric' or GQM, may be |
| decline in adherence to procedures, etc. | | | | made use of in combination with other tools. The GQM |
| Level of CMM© At Which Six Sigma Can Be | | | | technique combines well with the DMAIC model of Six |
| Applied | | | | Sigma. This is especially helpful, especially with Six |
| Six Sigma needs to be applied a bit differently when it | | | | Sigma being more focused on data- driven techniques. |
| comes to software service companies. For a | | | | However, you must keep in mind that when applying |
| company intending to streamline their processes, Six | | | | Six Sigma in your organization, it is necessary that |
| Sigma contributes well by way of helping to refine the | | | | suitability of a chosen tool or technique is established |
| mechanism. | | | | beforehand. |
| It may not seem too practical to talk about defect-free | | | | The Big Question |
| processes so that you can begin implementation. The | | | | The big question as to whether Six Sigma can really |
| need here is the road map for organizations to work | | | | be applied as successfully in the software industry as |
| on defect control targets in stages. CMM level 1 and | | | | it was to manufacturing is still being debated. The real |
| level 2 companies may find Six Sigma to be ideal to | | | | challenge is to see if it can be implemented without |
| augment their framework application procedures for | | | | reinventing the wheel. There is also disagreement |
| defect reduction. Levels above 3 will have attained the | | | | among leaders in the software industry about the |
| maturity levels sufficient for immediately implementing | | | | need for Six Sigma. |
| framework of measurement practices and will | | | | One possible solution is that the proven processes of |
| proceed further. At the mature levels of CMM 4 and 5, | | | | CMM, PSP and ISO can always contribute while Six |
| you can establish the complex metrics of 'true' Six | | | | Sigma can be used a complimentary tool. Six Sigma in |
| Sigma to maximize leverage. | | | | the software industry must have caused a few |
| Techniques of Six Sigma for Software | | | | eyelids to bat in its early days. |
| As with manufacturing, the fundamental step is to | | | | |