Six Sigma Black Belt Certified Practice Exam

What is the most effective strategy to reduce overfilled bottles in a bottling company?

1. Decrease the target fill volume only

2. Decrease the target fill variation only

3. First decrease the target fill volume, then decrease the target fill variation

4. First decrease the target fill variation, then decrease the target fill volume

The correct answer is: First decrease the target fill variation, then decrease the target fill volume

Reducing overfilled bottles in a bottling company effectively requires addressing both the target fill volume and the variation in that volume. Focusing initially on decreasing the target fill variation allows for a more consistent execution of the filling process. This means that the filling operations will be more stable, leading to reduced risk of exceeding the intended fill levels. By doing this first, the company can understand the range of fill volumes being produced and identify effective control measures to keep the fill levels within specified limits. Once the variation is minimized, the next step of decreasing the target fill volume takes into account the new, more precise filling process. With reduced variation, the company can confidently lower the target volume without the risk of frequently overfilling, ensuring compliance with both quality standards and regulatory requirements. This approach leverages data to achieve a more consistent product while also strategically managing the production line to meet operational standards more effectively. Additionally, if only the target fill volume were adjusted without addressing the variation, the process could still lead to excessive overfills, negating the benefits of simply reducing the target volume alone.