Wisconsin resident Michael Millard serves as technical solutions engineer for the Epic Systems Corporation. In 2018, he graduated from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. In addition to his technical skills, Michael Millard has earned a Six Sigma Green Belt.
Six Sigma is a data-driven set of tools and techniques used by businesses that aims to reduce the likelihood of errors. A statistical term, sigma means a deviation from a target measurement, and six sigma connotes three standard deviations before and after this target measurement. In statistical terms, this entails extremely low deviation or a very low defect rate. In order to achieve this, Six Sigma has five key principles.
1. Customer focus. The definition of quality is derived from the viewpoint of the customer or the customer base. Understanding the customer and the underpinnings of customer loyalty is a necessary step to maximizing customer satisfaction.
2. Process analysis. Breaking down a process identifies weak points and wasteful subprocesses and ensures accuracy of monitoring and measurement systems. It also enables getting to the root cause of problems within a process.
3. Defect removal. Removing anything in the process that does not serve the customer streamlines it and makes it more effective.
4. Inclusion. Involving the whole organization in applying the Six Sigma techniques entails training the different process stakeholders on its principles and methodologies.
5. Flexibility. Because Six Sigma is essentially a change agent, it works best in organizations with a culture that is open to adopting new ways of doing things. The focus should be on the results and not on adhering to a traditional way of conducting business.
Michael Milliard 