The Six Sigma method is focused on limiting fluctuation within business processes and quality management of process output by implementing problem-solving statistical methods. Conversely, the primary focus of Lean Six Sigma is to eliminate waste and improve existing processes.
The main goal of any Six Sigma implementation is quality improvement. The term originally comes from the sigma rating used to statistically rate manufacturing processes in engineering. A six sigma process occurs when no defects are expected in 99.99966% of all chances to produce them.
The objective of Six Sigma is to approach zero defects and allows only 3.4 defects per million opportunities.
The core Six Sigma principles
Make your processes flow smoothly. Reduce waste and concentrate on value. Stop defects through removing variation. Get buy-in from the team through collaboration.
As for goals, Six Sigma seeks to: Find and eliminate causes of defects and errors. Reduce cycle times and cost of operations.
Six Sigma (6σ) is a set of techniques and tools for process improvement. It was introduced by American engineer Bill Smith while working at Motorola in 1986. A six sigma process is one in which 99.99966% of all opportunities to produce some feature of a part are statistically expected to be free of defects.
The Six Sigma Methodology
It is the acronym for the five phases: D – Define, M – Measure, A – Analyse, I – Improve, C – Control. DMAIC is applied in the manufacturing of a product or delivery of a service.
As an industry-agnostic methodology, Six Sigma techniques are applied in aerospace, telecom, banking and financial services, IT, HR, marketing, and many more industries.
The Six Sigma DMAIC method is usually used for the advancement of an existing process. Potential DMAIC examples include the development of a manufacturing shop floor yield process or improving evidence-based care objectives for a hospital. The DMADV approach is used when designing a new process.
The Six Sigma Methodology comprises five data-driven stages — Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC). When fully implemented, DMAIC standardizes an organization's problem-solving approach and shapes how it ideates new process solutions.
In 1986, Bill Smith and Mikel Harry, two engineers at Motorola were accredited to having developed “Six Sigma”, and in 1995, Jack Welch made it the central business strategy of General Electric.
Number of defects and standard deviation. Process performance and customer requirements. Cycle time and quality. Number of defects, number of employees, number of customers.
Along with being process and data driven, the whole Six Sigma philosophy is about being consistent. It is about sustained intensity rather than short bursts of power. Six Sigma focuses on developing the capability to deliver the same results over and over again with zero variance rather than delivering it once.
Six Sigma is a quality management methodology used to help businesses improve current processes, products or services by discovering and eliminating defects. The goal is to streamline quality control in manufacturing or business processes so there is little to no variance throughout.
Six Sigma (6σ) is a set of techniques and tools for process improvement. It was introduced by American engineer Bill Smith while working at Motorola in 1986. A six sigma process is one in which 99.99966% of all opportunities to produce some feature of a part are statistically expected to be free of defects.
The 5 Whys is a basic root cause analysis technique used in the Analyze phase of the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control). To solve a problem, we need to identify the root cause and then eliminating it.
Five whys (or 5 whys) is an iterative interrogative technique used to explore the cause-and-effect relationships underlying a particular problem. The primary goal of the technique is to determine the root cause of a defect or problem by repeating the question "Why?".
The method is remarkably simple: when a problem occurs, you drill down to its root cause by asking "Why?" five times. Then, when a counter-measure becomes apparent, you follow it through to prevent the issue from recurring.
Five whys (5 whys) is a problem-solving method that explores the underlying cause-and-effect of particular problems. The primary goal is to determine the root cause of a defect or a problem by successively asking the question “Why?”.
Sigma is the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet and is equivalent to our letter 'S'. In mathematics, the upper case sigma is used for the summation notation. The lower case sigma stands for standard deviation.