6 Sigma

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.

Methodologies of Six Sigma

There are two major methodologies used within Six Sigma, both of which are composed of five sections, according to the 2005 book “JURAN Institute Six Sigma Breakthrough and Beyond” by Joseph A. De Feo and William Barnard.

DMAIC: The DMAIC method is used primarily for improving existing business processes. The letters stand for:

• Define the problem and the project goals
• Measure in detail the various aspects of the current process
• Analyze 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: The DMADV method is typically used to create new processes and new products or services. The letters stand for:

• Define the project goals
• Measure critical components of the process and the product capabilities
• Analyze 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

There are also many management tools used within Six Sigma. Some examples include the following.