Six Sigma
Candlefocus EditorSix Sigma is a quality assurance process designed to help organizations eliminate defects and improve their products and processes. Developed by scientists at the Motorola Corporation in the 1980s, it was initially used as a circuit-design process for the tracking of electromagnetic interference. Over time, the process has been adopted by a wide variety of businesses to reduce costs, streamline their operations, and otherwise improve their competitive edge.
How Does Six Sigma Work?
The core of Six Sigma process is an approach known as "DMAIC" (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control). Each stage is intended to bring an organization closer to its goals.
The first step, Define, involves establishing the objectives and goals of the process. This should include setting performance targets, providing a timeline, and ensuring that key stakeholders will be involved in the process.
The second step, Measure, requires organizations to assess their current product quality. This often requires gathering data, measuring performance indicators, and analyzing opportunities for improvement.
The third step, Analyze, involves evaluating potential causes of problems, seeking expert advice and feedback, and mapping out the process.
The fourth step, Improve, is where change is implemented. This can include instituting new processes, creating reports and dashboards, or creating a control plan.
The fifth and final step, Control, is used to ensure that the changes are sustained. This often involves developing a control plan and continually measuring performance to ensure that processes are staying on track.
Why Do Companies Choose Six Sigma?
Organizations often choose Six Sigma for potential cost reductions, because it has the ability to identify and eliminate waste. The process works by helping organizations target inefficiencies and determining the value associated with achieving its goals. By focusing on the end-to-end process, Six Sigma can help organizations increase quality while reducing costs associated with materials, labor, and other areas.
Recent years have seen the emergence of the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which is a team-focused approach often used to improve internal processes. This model combines the benefits of both Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma by focusing on optimizing the process flow and eliminating waste.
Overall, Six Sigma is now used by a wide range of organizations, as it helps to improve efficiency, product quality, and profitability. Certification programs are often offered to those who pursue experience and knowledge within the Six Sigma process.