Michael S. Slocum - Professor of Carolina State University Vice President of Innovation and Design Breakthrough Management Group Colorado, USA
Amir H.M. Kermani - Industrial Engineer, Master Expert Iran Institute of Innovation and Technology Studies Tehran, IRAN

Six Sigma (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) operates based on an assumption. The assumption is that the solution to a problem is contained within the process under investigation. Six Sigma is very powerful when this assumption is true as it enables the practitioners to identify the transfer function (y=f (x)) and control the output. In many cases the solution to the problem is not to be found in the process and this inhibits the ability to identify the control variables. In this case, a methodology that can solve the problem outside of the process boundaries is necessary. The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) is exactly this theory (and process). In this paper we will outline the capabilities of the TRIZ methodology and describe how the successful integration of TRIZ with Six Sigma can overcome any limitations originating from lack of solution location in the process space. The aspects of TRIZ useful during each phase of DMAIC will be identified and a unified structure will be presented for the application of TRIZ enhanced Six Sigma. A case study will also be presented demonstrating effectiveness.

Six Sigma Methodology, Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ), Abstraction, Problem Formulation