Define: Begin by defining the problem statement, which is to monitor the lengths of rods produced by a supplier.

How will you go about implementing this step?

Meet with the family$-$owned business to understand their concerns and objectives regarding the rod lengths.

Define the problem statement in clear, specific terms.

What support will you be needing from the family$-$owned business?

Access to historical data on rod lengths.

Input on the desired outcomes of the project.

Timeline: $1-2$ weeks

Measure: Identify the current performance metrics for rod lengths, such as the average length and the standard deviation.

How will you go about implementing this step?

Collect data on rod lengths from the supplier.

Analyze the data to determine the current performance metrics.

What support will you be needing from the family$-$owned business?

Access to data analysis tools.

Input on the importance of various performance metrics.

Timeline: $2-3$ weeks

Analyze: Identify the root causes of any deviations from the desired rod length performance metrics.

How will you go about implementing this step?

Use statistical analysis techniques to identify patterns and trends in the data.

Conduct interviews or surveys with the supplier to understand their processes and any potential issues.

What support will you be needing from the family$-$owned business?

Access to subject matter experts in statistics and process improvement.

Input on the feasibility of potential solutions.

Timeline: $3-4$ weeks

Phase: Improve

Improve: Develop and implement solutions to address the root causes of deviations from the desired rod length performance metrics.

How will you go about implementing this step?

Collaborate with the supplier to develop and implement solutions.

Monitor the impact of the solutions on the rod length performance metrics.

What support will you be needing from the family$-$owned business?

Input on the feasibility and impact of potential solutions.

Assistance in communicating with the supplier.

Timeline: $4-5$ weeks

Control: Establish processes and procedures to ensure sustained improvement in rod length performance metrics.

How will you go about implementing this step?

Develop standard operating procedures for monitoring and controlling rod length performance.

Train the family$-$owned business and supplier staff on the new procedures.

What support will you be needing from the family$-$owned business?

Assistance in training staff.

Input on the feasibility and impact of potential solutions.

Timeline: $5-6$ weeks

Final Answer

The six sigma project implementation plan for the family$-$owned business involves a $15-$step process spread across the five phases of DMAIC. The Define phase includes defining the problem statement and measuring the current performance metrics for rod lengths. The Analyze phase involves identifying the root causes of any deviations from the desired performance metrics. The Improve phase includes developing and implementing solutions to address the root causes. Finally, the Control phase involves establishing processes and procedures to ensure sustained improvement in rod length performance metrics. The expected output is a sustained improvement in rod length performance metrics, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced waste for the family$-$owned business.