Six Sigma in the Pharmaceutical Industry


Pharmaceutical companies are facing many challenges in the market where increased competition and rising cost of ingredients are eating into their profit margins. The industry is also very competitive and every player is looking to develop the most effective product in the market. As a result, players opt for manufacturing methods that allow them to come up with the best quality drugs that are potent in treating various ailments.

Therefore, companies use different strategies to achieve that goal. One of the techniques is the implementation of Six Sigma. Six Sigma is a manufacturing method that involves identifying the causes of poor product quality. The method not only identifies those factors, but also helps to eliminate them completely. It improves efficiency and quality of a product. Implementation of Six Sigma in the pharmaceutical industry can increase its success.

Six Sigma process
Six Sigma methodology is based on the identification, recognition and definition of problems encountered in the production process. Also, the method involves the characterization, measurement and analysis of data to identify weaknesses in the manufacturing process.

It optimizes quality control systems in the manufacturing process thereby increasing productivity and innovation by reducing cycle times, at the same time. By applying 6 Sigma techniques, the pharmaceutical industry can improve the plant floor and therefore realize similar success seen in other industries.

Six Sigma includes tools that smooth the implementation process by eliminating mistakes that occur during the process. These tools are not only easy for the employee to grasp, but also play a role in quality assurance and risk management.

On the other hand, the Six Sigma method makes it easier for pharmaceutical companies to develop processes that result in predetermined quality at the end of the manufacturing process. Implementation of Six Sigma in the pharmaceuticals industry helps in:
=>> Rejection prevention
=>> Reduced production cycle time
=>> Facilitate continuous process improvement
=>> Increasing automation

Six Sigma implementation
Six Sigma is implemented in pharmaceuticals in different ways. First, companies require new employees to have Six Sigma certification. The certificate proves that employees have taken Six Sigma courses that equip them with the necessary knowledge to run an efficient manufacturing process. Certified employees are more productive at work not only because they reduce waste but also work in an efficient manner.

Second, pharmaceutical companies are offering Six Sigma courses within their organizations. This has enabled most of the senior employees of these companies to acquire Six Sigma certification and hence improve their performance at work.

Last but not the least, companies are sending their employees to institutes where they can be trained in Six Sigma methodology. Maximum Six Sigma courses are offered at four levels: Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt and Champion. Employees with yellow belt certification will not be able to handle new and therefore independent projects.

Six Sigma techniques have helped pharmaceutical companies not only debug errors in their manufacturing processes, but also improve the quality of their output. By doing this they have been able to increase the profit.

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