Six Sigma
Six
Sigma is a system of practices originally developed by Motorola to systematically
improve processes by reducing variation and eliminating defects. Defects are defined as units that
are not members of the intended population. Since it was originally developed,
Six Sigma has become an element of many Total Quality Management (TQM) initiatives.
The process was pioneered by Bill Smith at Motorola in 1986 and was originally
defined as a metric for measuring defects and improving quality, and a methodology
to reduce defect levels below 3.4 Defects Per (one) Million Opportunities
(DPMO).
Six Sigma is a registered service mark and trademark of Motorola, Inc.Motorola
has reported over US$17 billion in savings from Six Sigma as of 2006.
KEY CONCEPTS OF SIX SIGMA
At its core, Six Sigma revolves around a few key concepts.
- Critical to Quality (CTQ): Attributes most important to the customer
- Defect: Failing to deliver what the customer wants
- Process Capability: What your process can deliver
- Variation: What the customer sees and feels
- Stable Operations: Ensuring consistent, predictable processes to improve what the customer sees and feels
- Design for Six Sigma (DFSS): Designing to meet customer needs and process capability
METHODOLOGIES
Six Sigma has two key methodologies: DMAICT, and DFSS. DMAICT is used to improve an existing business process. DFSS is used to create new product designs or process designs in such a way that it results in a more predictable, mature and defect free performance.
Sometimes a DMAICT project may turn into a DFSS project because the process in question requires complete redesign to bring about the desired degree of improvement.
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Extracts from Six Sigma (2007, March 17). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 09:13, March 19, 2007
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