2. Six Sigma is a set of techniques, and tools for process
improvement. It was developed by Motorola in 1986.
Sir Bill Smith, “ the Father of six sigma” introduce this
quality
improvement Methodology to Motorola.
Six Sigma is now an enormous 'brand' in the world of
corporate
development.
Introduction
3. History
Since the 1920's the word “sigma”(s) has been used by
mathematicians and engineers as a symbol for a unit of
Measurement in product quality variation.
In the mid-1980's engineers in Motorola in the USA used
“Six Sigma”(S) an informal name for an in-house initiative for
reducing defects in production processes, because it
represented a suitably high level of quality.
4. Definition
Six Sigma seeks to improve the quality of process outputs by
identifying and removing the causes of defects.
Six Sigma approach is a collection of managerial and statistical
concept and techniques that focuses on reducing variation in
processes and preventing deficiencies in product.
The concept of Variation states “NO two items will be perfectly
identical.”
5. A six sigma process is one in which 99.9999966% of the
products
manufactured are statistically expected to be free of defects
(3.4 defects per million).
Six Sigma is a very clever way of branding and packaging
many aspects of Total Quality Management (TQM).
( TQM is a management approach to long–term success through
customer satisfaction.)
8. By improving the quality of their service and
products with the methodology, companies
can see immense long-term revenue
increases, yielding benefits for the company
and for shareholders. GE was a fairly early
adopter of the Six Sigma method, and
saw $300 million in increased revenue in
1997 (the first year of Six Sigma), and a full
extra dollar per share in the first five years
of implementation.
9. A defect is defined as anything that falls
outside of a customer’s expectations. That
changes from product to product, but any
company knows a defect in their products
when they see it. Six Sigma challenges
organizations to minimize these defects and
improve quality to the point that very few
customers will ever have a problem. Even
“products” that aren’t manufactured can
benefit from the Six Sigma treatment.
10. Innovation is a necessary ingredient for any
company, to prevent stagnation and promote
ongoing growth. Six Sigma has been shown to
promote teamwork and collaboration within
organizations that take the initiative and begin
to use the methodology. Instead of stifling
innovation, as some have feared, the
methodology often promotes new ideas and
insights. In fact, 46% of organizations that
implemented Six Sigma saw their innovation
improve, possibly because teams were focused
on solutions and possibilities over limitations.
11. Any savings through Six Sigma is an indication
of return on investment (ROI) and more
available funds to apply to other projects.
Almost every organization that implements
Six Sigma can expect to see savings—
sometimes massive savings.
12. Consistency and protocol both help to ensure
employee safety, while improving quality and
service. Six Sigma has been shown to have a
positive impact on employee in 56% of cases,
and can help improve employees’ working
conditions in many ways
