Innovation of the Week: The Apple iPAD
Posted by: meikah | 12 February 2010 | 12:12 am
This week’s edition of innovation update features Apple and its new gadget, the iPAD. Some open Internet advocates say that the Apple iPAD will choke innovation.
guardian.co.uk features:
Apple’s new iPad tablet computer could hamper innovation and cause long-term damage if it becomes a hit, according to experts.
Just as Steve Jobs tries to wow the world with the “magical” new device - unveiled on Wednesday at a media-saturated launch event in San Francisco – leading industry figures have told the Guardian that the machine marks a fundamental shift in the way the computer industry works.
Filed under: Software/Technology, Innovation Update, Innovation, Six Sigma, Apple
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Applying Six Sigma to Web Development, Design, and Usability
Posted by: meikah | 2 December 2009 | 8:48 pm
As I was doing a Google search on applying Six Sigma to e-commerce, I stumbled upon Eric Long’s blog, EBUSINESSBLOG.ORG.
Eric raises some interesting points about why Six Sigma has not been applied yet to web development, design, and usability. He compares web development to manufacturing, and he arranges his observation to the following points:
- Can Six Sigma be applied to web development, design, and usability?
- Why Six Sigma is difficult to achieve in web development today.
- Accept the variables in web development, and apply the concepts of Six Sigma
Filed under: Software/Technology, Deployment, Six Sigma, Web Development
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Motorola’s Approach to Software DFSS
Posted by: meikah | 24 November 2009 | 11:10 pm
Six Sigma Zone shares Motorola’s approach to software DFSS.
View the PowerPoint presentation here.
Filed under: Software/Technology, DFSS, Motorola, Six Sigma
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Using Six Sigma Tools in an Agile Software Project
Posted by: meikah | 22 October 2009 | 10:47 pm
An article on iSixSigma Software shows us that Six Sigma tools can also be used in agile software projects, even though the underlying principles of each don’t complement.
The article goes:
Six Sigma’s genesis was in the manufacturing world where one of its primary goals has been to reduce process variation. On the other hand, Agile software development is built on the premise that complex software projects, unlike manufacturing, cannot be successful in an environment using defined process control. Instead, Agile development supports empirical process control that relies on continuous inspection and adaptation of the process used.
Six Sigma offers a groundbreaking way of reducing defects in the end product – something that any software project can definitely use. Hence, it makes a lot of sense to at least evaluate the possibilities of integrating both processes.
Agile software methodologies, based on the principles of the Agile Manifesto, are typically adaptive processes that provide a process framework. This framework guides a development team to build software using a process adapted to suit the domain of the project. This approach actually opens up possibilities of using appropriate tools, including tools of Six Sigma, that can help improve the quality of the product.
Related posts:
Application of Lean Manufacturing to Software and IT Development
Lean Tools for Agile Software DevelopmentÂ
Filed under: Software/Technology, Six Sigma, Agile Software
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Minitab Quality Companion 3
Posted by: meikah | 11 October 2009 | 9:19 pm
With Minitab Quality Companion 3, it is “everything you need to manage your Lean Six Sigma and improvement projects in one application.”
Find out more about it HERE.
Filed under: Lean Six Sigma, Software/Technology, Six Sigma, Minitab
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Statistical Software for Six Sigma
Posted by: meikah | 6 October 2009 | 9:31 pm
Six Sigma and data go together. But your Six Sigma effort will only be successful if you know how to make use of your data. You may have good data, complete data, but how to make sense of it is important.
This is where statistics comes in. Peter Peterka writes about the statistical software that works well with your Six Sigma data.
Advanced statistical software such as Minitab or Statgraphics, are very useful if not essential for gathering, categorizing, evaluating, and analyzing the data collected throughout a Six Sigma project. Both Minitab and Statgraphics are powerful full standalone statistical process control software applications for performing statistical analysis. Both are highly recommended for Six Sigma use as they are tools that can help you utilize one of Six Sigma’s biggest advantages: the ability to make better decisions based upon data. They will work with the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) methodology and Lean Six Sigma.
Both Minitab and Statgraphics are designed to support the Six Sigma philosophy offering a range of tools for graphical analyses, collecting powerful statistics, quality analyses with potential for a range of custom designed uses.
Filed under: Software/Technology, Statistics, Six Sigma
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Application of Lean Manufacturing to Software and IT Development
Posted by: meikah | 17 September 2009 | 7:59 pm
Over at Evolving Excellence is a good discussion on how to apply lean manufacturing principles to software and IT development.
The discussion was an interview of Mary and Tom Poppendieck with Matt Heusser. Some of the insights from the interview:
- Get all workers deeply involved in analyzing feedback from the market and rapidly figuring out how to act on that feedback.
- Lean provides the theory behind Agile practices. Lean is a set of principles, ways of thinking, from which Agile practices are derived
- An underlying concept of Lean is that if you can’t create small independent-thinking teams, you can’t respond rapidly in the face of continuous change.
- Try to put in constant improvement. Try to get closer to the customers. Look at the big picture, not just software.
Read the post on Evolving Excellence and read the interview.
Filed under: Software/Technology, Lean Manufacturing, Lean, IT
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4 Basic Truths about IT-Six Sigma Integration
Posted by: meikah | 26 August 2009 | 7:54 pm
Not many are convinced that Six Sigma and IT integration will succeed. or if there is a need to in the first place.
An article on iSixSigma Software shows us that it can be done. The iSixSigma Magazine once published the results of their survey, which were analyzed by Michael Marx, and they pointed to the strong possibility of a successful integration of Six Sigma and IT.
- Overall, Six Sigma is not frequently used to improve IT processes.
- The extent to which Six Sigma is applied to IT has to do with the role IT plays in a company – staff function or strategic component.
- The longer a company has been using Six Sigma, the greater the likelihood that the company has integrated Six Sigma with IT.
- Technology is not always the solution, and when it is, the solution is often not implemented.
Read the discussion HERE.
Filed under: Software/Technology, Six Sigma, IT
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Leaning and Greening Your Software
Posted by: meikah | 31 March 2009 | 10:11 pm
Investments in software require a huge bulk off your capital or savings. And in these difficult times, not many companies can really afford to spend much, even if they probably need it.
Good thing that there’s actually a way to invest in software spending without breaking the bank, or running your savings aground.
An article on BusinessWeek Online discusses how software vendors are competing for shrinking IT budgets by touting products that can save energy, save money, and save the environment.
- Microsoft launched its “environmental dashboard” and the Windows 7 claiming to conserve PC power
- Autodesk acquired companies whose programs help architect design eco-friendly buildings
- IBM is emphasizing how governments and businesses can invest together in powerful computer systems and data analysis software to address problems like climate change and food supply safety
- Big Blue has several projects underway in the U.S., Europe, and Asia as part of its “smarter planet” initiative
Filed under: Software/Technology, Sustainable Business, Lean
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Six Sigma and Oce Max
Posted by: meikah | 10 March 2009 | 10:38 pm
idm.net.au reports:
Oce MAX is a new document performance management system that applies Six Sigma tools and methodologies to measure, benchmark and improve outsourced document activities, such as print/copy and mail centre management.
The new offering is designed for large organizations with multiple sites and services. Features include: near-real-time volume and performance reports; customisable, dynamic reports based on the client’s input; customizable dashboards including “stop light” performance management of metrics critical to the business; and, automated email alerts.
