Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to improving efficiency and quality selected by Network Rail in 2003, as our methodology for improving business processes. Although originally developed within the manufacturing sector in the 1980s, Six Sigma has been widely used with much success in many industries around the world. The Six Sigma six-step methodology is helping us improve many areas of our business, from office work processes to major investment renewals processes.

Six Steps of Six Sigma
  • Define the scope of the project.
  • Measure the effectiveness of the current process.
  • Analyse data to understand the process.
  • Improve the situation.
  • Control the process so that the improvement is sustained.
  • Transfer the learning and improvements across the business

Our investment in Six Sigma reached break-even point in less than three years. We have trained over 1,400 employees around the business at various levels; Yellow Belt (fundamentals), Green Belt (tools and techniques), Black Belt (advanced analysis) and Champion (leadership). We now have over 50 full time Black Belts concentrating on over 100 projects to reduce waste, failures and variation. So far we have saved over £60m, and reduced train delays by 87k minutes, but the benefits of improving processes, team working, reducing delays and increasing the focus on factual data and evidence to support decision making are possibly even more valuable.

Projects range across many areas of the business including minimizing train delays, improving vegetation control, track maintenance and tamping machine operation. Cross industry project teams are working on further improving project safety, track renewals processes, and supplier accreditation and assurance. The latter, which will reduce the audit burden on suppliers, was the output of an intensive 5 day “Workout” project. Other projects can span several months due to the nature of problems being addressed.

What does this mean for you?

When you take advantage of our progress and experience so far in applying Six Sigma, you can expect to deliver more sustainable results to a wide variety of opportunities, and achieve a real sense of making a difference.