Module 5 · Lesson 13 of 17
Pilot design and success criteria
This lesson and the entire Lean Six Sigma Black Belt academy are free of charge — no fees, ever.
Learning objectives
- Explain the purpose of pilot design and success criteria in a garment-factory improvement project.
- Apply the described method to a representative shop-floor situation.
- Recognize the common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Concept
A pilot tests both solution effectiveness and the practicality of full implementation at controlled scale.
Specify baseline/control, duration, representative variation, sample, owners, training, monitoring, reversibility, acceptance thresholds, unintended consequences, and rollout questions.
Pilot criteria are agreed before results are seen, in writing.
Garment-factory example
Pilot a new inline quality gate on one representative line across two styles and shifts, monitoring DHU, FPY, output, repair minutes, and operator burden.
Method
- Charter the pilot.
- Select representative site.
- Lock operational definitions.
- Train staff.
- Collect baseline.
- Run pilot.
- Daily review without changing rules mid-flight.
- Document deviations.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the easiest line only.
- Declaring success from a short favorable window.
Knowledge check
Pick one answer per question. Explanations appear after you submit.
1. Pilot success criteria must be set:
2. A representative pilot line captures:
Author: NOSK.life · Last reviewed: 2026-07-21