Statistical quality software undoubtedly helps manufacturers boost productivity, improve decision-making, and become more engaged with their data. But to fully realize the benefits, they must embrace staff training.

That’s because Six Sigma relies on statistics at its core. Statistics enable engineers to mathematically describe process data. They are comprised of values and practices for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data in a significant way. Statistics helps engineers to understand data performance and identify improvement opportunities and predict future process performance.

But using Six Sigma throughout an organization is not always straightforward. Because manufacturing staff often bring different skills to the table, they may not all be on the same page when it comes to statistical knowledge — which is helpful to have when implementing a process improvement program.

For example, teams should be able to understand inferential statistics, in order to understand traits of a population-based on data from a sample. They should know how to detect the shape of the distribution, and should be able to summarize data through graphical analysis, which creates pictures of the data, helping others understand patterns between process parameters.

Sound difficult? That’s where training modules, especially remote, cloud-based options, can come in handy.

Training modules specifically designed for team learning in manufacturing environments can teach staff complex statistical methods quickly. They can help employees of all stripes master the key principles needed when fulfilling a Six Sigma project and can help users use statistical software to apply these concepts.

For example, Six Sigma trainees often need an understanding of statistical methods including hypothesis tests, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, control charts, and capability analysis. The right training course will explain these concepts, then prompt users to put them into action by utilizing a statistical software, ensuring a common level of knowledge across teams.