Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology that provides tools and techniques to define and evaluate each step of a process. The goal is to use continuous process improvement and refine processes until they produce stable and predictable results. The Six Sigma methodology calls for bringing operations to a “six sigma” level, which essentially means 3.4 defects for every one million opportunities. What Six Sigma MeansĮxperts credit Shewhart with first developing the idea that any part of process that deviates three sigma from the mean requires improvement. The system is influenced by, but different than, other management improvement strategies of the time, including Total Quality Management and Zero Defects.ĭoes it work? Motorola reported in 2006 that the company had saved $17 billion using Six Sigma. Motorola engineer Bill Smith eventually became one of the pioneers of modern Six Sigma, creating many of the methodologies still associated with Six Sigma in the late 1980s. In the 1980s, Motorola brought Six Sigma into the mainstream by using the methodology to create more consistent quality in the company’s products, according to “ Six Sigma” by Mikel Harry and Richard Schroeder. 1” by Mark von Rosing, August-Wilhelm Scheer and Henrik von Scheel. In the 1920s, American physicist, engineer and statistician Walter Shewhart expanded on this idea and demonstrated that “sigma imply where a process needs improvement,” according to “The Complete Business Process Handbook: Body of Knowledge From Process Modeling to BPM Vol. By creating the concept of what a normal distribution looks like, the bell curve became an early tool for finding errors and defects in a process. In the 19th century, German mathematician and physicist Carl Fredrich Gauss developed the bell curve. These include White Belts, Yellow Belts, Green Belts, Black Belts and Master Black Belts. People develop expertise in Six Sigma by earning belts at each level of accomplishment. In all settings, organizations use Six Sigma to set up a management system that systematically identifies errors and provides methods for eliminating them. While most people associate Six Sigma with manufacturing, the methodology is applicable to every type of process in any industry. In addition to establishing a culture dedicated to continuous process improvement, Six Sigma offers tools and techniques that reduce variance, eliminate defects and help identify the root causes of errors, allowing organizations to create better products and services for consumers. Six Sigma ranks among the foremost methodologies for making business processes more effective and efficient.