Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams

2017-07-07 02:10:07

AKA

Comparative Assessment Matrix

Classification

Evaluating/Selecting (ES)

Tool description

A comparison matrix assists with the analysis process to identify existing gaps between an organization and its competitors, to determine the profitability potential of a product or service, or to discover other problems that may require immediate attention. When gaps, problems and profitability potential are known, a company can more effectively position its future products and services.

Typical application

To identify problem areas and areas where resources should best be allocated.

To compare organizational capability with that of competitors.

To perform market demand futuring for products and services.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
→	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
	Project management
	Manufacturing
1	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
2	Servicing/support
3	Customer/quality metrics
4	Change management

links to other tools

before

Data Collections Strategy

Benchmarking

Conjoint Analysis

Information Needs Analysis

Customer-First-Questions (CFQ)

after

Resource Requirements Matrix

Opportunity Analysis

Gap Analysis

Starbursting

Action Plan

Notes and key points

A rating system of non-numeric symbols can be used in place of numeric values or non-numeric ratings. Optional: • = 5 (strong); ○ = 3 (moderate); □ = 1 (weak).

Step-by-step procedure

STEP 1 A facilitated cross-functional team decides upon a data-collection strategy to gather historical and forecasted information about the products/services.

STEP 2 The team identifies core productions/services and lists them in order of importance or value to the organization. See example Softhelp Software Company.

STEP 3 Appropriate markets or market segments are agreed upon.

STEP 4 The team selects a rating system.

Note: Non-numeric figures can be used in place of numeric values or non-numeric ratings.

STEP 5 Data is collected and discussed, and findings are plotted on the comparison matrix as shown in the example.

STEP 6 The team reviews the completed matrix and writes a short rationale for each product/service rating.

STEP 7 A final report, which describes potential, leverage points, future requirements, etc., is written and attached to the comparison matrix and submitted to management.