Six Sigma
(DMAIC – Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control)
Six Sigma (SS) is a systematic, measurement-based methodology that aims for error free (or zero defect) business performance, be it for products or services.
SS incorporates elements from many existing quality concepts, best practices, tools and techniques. It focuses on process improvement and variation reduction through the identification and removal of the causes of defects and errors.
What are Sigma, 3 Sigma, 4 Sigma and 6 Sigma?
Sigma, σ, is a Greek alphabet used by statisticians for measuring variability. An organisation’s performance can be measured by the Sigma level of its business process.
Many organizations operate in the 4 to 5 Sigma range, which translates into 6,000 to 67,000 defects per million opportunities.
6 Sigma, on the other hand, represents a performance of 3.4 defects per million opportunities.
SS is hence a benchmark for organisations looking for ways to fulfill the increasing expectations of customers and the increasing complexity of modern products, services and processes.
History of Six Sigma
SS was developed by Motorola in the 1980s and has been adopted by many countries such as General Electric, Allied-Signal, Seagate, Dow Chemical, Dupont, Honeywell and many others.
The basic elements of SS are not new. Tools such as statistical Process Control (SPC), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and many other quality tools existed long before the development of the SS methodology.
Six Sigma Is Not Just An Assembly Of Quality Tools
While SS utilises many quality concepts and tools, it must not be thought of as merely a collection of tools to be cherry picked.
The key difference between SS and traditional quality initiatives is that SS offers a very rigorous and robust framework (DMAIC) and systematic implementation of the tools.
DMAIC Model
At the heart of the SS methodology is the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) model.
The DMAIC model is as follows:
1. Define – Define the goals of the improvement opportunity
2.Me asure – Measure the existing system
3. Analyse – Analyse the system to identify ways to eliminate the gap between the current performance of the system or process and the desired goal
4. Improve – Improve the process
5. Control – Control the new system
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zJiNLKMyAE
Benefits of Six Sigma
Reduces variability
Improves quality – reduces defects and errors
Improves reliability of products and processes
Reduces cost of operations
Improves capacity and output
Improve productivity
Improves customer satisfaction
Improves profits
Application of Six Sigma
SS has been implemented in both the manufacturing and service industries with great success. Some of the industries/ sectors are listed as follows:
Manufacturing
Services
Banks
Financial Institutions
Healthcare
MRO Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) Operations
Public Service and Government
Aerospace
Six Sigma Training and Consultancy Services
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