In Massachusetts, a number of hospitals began to see a need to improve the way they manage healthcare. They were being burdened by costs and inefficiencies on every level, and they decided to take an approach similar to many manufacturing and IT services; they decided to try Six Sigma initiatives. It’s estimated that upwards of 60 percent of hospitals now use some form of Six Sigma initiatives in their management process. Now the next question you may be asking yourself is what is Six Sigma and how can it improve my business, no matter the industry?

Six Sigma initiatives aim to improve the efficiency of a business and reduce wasteful spending. It was originally developed by Motorola in the 1980s, but since then, many different companies have tried the principles of Six Sigma to remain competitive in a very tough and demanding environment. The original Six Sigma doctrine as developed by Motorola sought to reduce variation by eliminating all variables that could hurt the business, putting good leaders in place that were experts in the field of focus and having business and management processes that could be analyzed and improved upon. As the government and other sources continue to aim at reducing healthcare costs, it was inevitable that Six Sigma would reach the medical world.

So how does Six Sigma work? Let’s say you’re a small business, and you need a better way of handling how your projects are completed.  IT infrastructure management by a third party will help you realize what you’re doing right and what you’re doing wrong in order to assist you and your workers do whatever it is they are good at. It enables IT to be an ally in your business practice rather than a hindrance because you’re allowing professionals who know what they’re doing set up the network and project management infrastructure to allow your business to succeed.

If you’re wondering whether or not your business can benefit from the Six Sigma principles, all you have to ask is if you think you’re handling your business process perfectly. If there is a way to improve your IT process and you don’t have the professionals to do so, IT infrastructure management by a third party is a viable way to streamline your business process in regards to IT practices. The business world is only going to get more competitive; it’s up to you to find the experts who will help you succeed and move on to the next level.

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Chris is a freelance writer from New Jersey who writes on a variety of topics. He is currently at work on his first YA mystery novel.