In the Control Phase of Six Sigma, one of the critical steps is the handover of the improved process to the process owner. This transition ensures the sustainability of the improvements made during the project. The following points highlight the key aspects of this handover:

Transition of the New Process 

• Project to Production: The new process, product, or service is moved from project mode to the operational phase, where it is managed by the process owner or employees who work with it daily​​. 

• Control Plans: Teams may implement control plans, including control charts, to monitor ongoing results and maintain the integrity of the process improvements. 

  
  

Training and Expertise

• Staff Training: Six Sigma teams usually collaborate with training experts or department delegates to initiate the training process. These trained individuals then disseminate the knowledge further to other employees affected by the changes​​. 

• Process Owner's Role in Training: The process owner should be included in the Six Sigma team, especially for understanding and communicating the changes. They act as a process expert, providing insights into the existing process and understanding customer and employee needs related to the process​​. 
  

Documentation and Approval 

• Solution Documentation: Solutions are fully documented through Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training materials. Critical staff members receive training on these solutions to ensure they are equipped to train others​​. 

• Approval for Implementation: The sponsor, champion, or executive steering committee typically signs off on fully implementing the solution, ensuring that all team members agree with the implementation​​.
  

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement 

• Building Monitors: During the Control Phase, teams establish monitoring systems to ensure the process continues to work successfully after implementation​​. 

• Ongoing Review: The process owner, now responsible for the day-to-day management of the process, should continuously review the process for potential improvement opportunities. 
  

Importance of Ongoing Monitoring 

• Ensures Continuity: Regular monitoring ensures that the process does not revert to its previous state and that the improvements are continuously upheld. 

• Identifies New Opportunities: Continuous monitoring can also identify new areas for improvement, feeding into the organization's continuous improvement culture. 

• Builds Process Capability: Over time, these activities build the capability of the process, potentially leading to higher levels of quality and efficiency.  

Summary 

The handover to process owners in the Control Phase is a crucial step in embedding the improvements within the normal operations of the organization. It involves training, documentation, and the transfer of control mechanisms to ensure that the improvements are sustained over time. The process owner plays a pivotal role, not only in understanding and managing the changes but also in ensuring that these changes are seamlessly integrated into the organization's regular workflows and practices.