What is Six Sigma?
Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects in any process. In order to achieve Six Sigma a process must not produce more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities.
The methodology was first introduced by engineer bill Smith whilst working at Motorola and became popularised after Jack Welch made it central to business strategy at General Electric in 1995. The fundamental objective of the Six Sigma is the implementation of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction.
Within Six Sigma there are two key frameworks, DMAIC which focuses on improving business processes and DMADV which focuses on the creation of new processes, products and services.
DMAIC
Define the problem and the project goals
Measure in detail the various aspects of the current process
Analyse data to, among other things, find the root defects in a process
Improve the process
Control how the process is done in the future
DMADV
Define the project goals
Measure critical components of the process and the product capabilities
Analyse the data and develop various designs for the process, eventually picking the best one
Design and test details of the process
Verify the design by running simulations and a pilot program, and then handing over the process to the client
best Suited For?
Six Sigma is best-suited to larger organisations that want to improve quality and efficiency through a data-driven methodology, although many components within work for small and mid-sized companies too. Six Sigma has its own accredited and belt system. (In the vein of Judo) Proservartner have invested heavily so that every member of our implementation team are trained and qualified.