Over at Qualitas, Robert Thomson has an interesting discussion on ISO, TQM, and Six Sigma. Titled “The Battle of the Improvement Systems,” the article gives you a preview of what each improvement system is, how it is applied and benefits an organization, and most importantly, how ISO or TQM can work well with Six Sigma.
Let me share with you excerpts of how ISO or TQM can be combined with Six Sigma.
Combining Six Sigma with ISO
Six Sigma provides a methodology for delivering certain objectives set by ISO such as:
- prevention of defects at all stages from design through servicing;
- statistical techniques required for establishing, controlling and verifying process capability and product characterization;
- investigation of the cause of defects relating to product, process and quality system;
- continuous improvement of the quality of products and services.
Combining TQM with Six Sigma
Six Sigma is complementary to TQM because it can help to prioritize issues within a broader TQM program and provides the DMAIC framework which can be used to meet TQM objectives.Is your quality system integrated with Six Sigma or do you apply the principles of TQM in a Six Sigma environment? What have been your experiences? Leave a comment below.
I’ve talked with a few Six Sigma companies and most of them started with TQM or ISO, or other improvement systems and choose which one works best for their organization. I think that’s the way it should be.
*Photo credit: MorgueFile.com
