Six Sigma Methodology as a Problem Solving Technique

Six Sigma Methodology (SSM) is a data driven problem solving technique which is very popular, reliable and result oriented (Pyzdek T., 2003). In this study SSM has been applied for saving financial loss in Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL). The technique has been applied to identify the most critical reasons for gas leakage in domestic connections above ground installations and have the solution to get rid of the leakage defect problem. The scope of study was restricted to Multan region only due to its atmospheric temperature.This technique is highly effective and result oriented because whatever shortcomings appeared and found after applying the appropriate tool (method) in the processes, these are removed before moving to next phase.In the study it has been found that on the average almost 2% of the joints in every domestic Customer Metering Station (CMS) are poor and cause the gas leakage. The main reasons for these poor leaking joints found in the study were due to expertise level of technician (fitter) and quality of tools (local and imported) used for pipe fittings and threading.The solution obtained after the application of SSM can itself save a financial loss of Pak Rupees 2.1 million per annum approximately.