Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a business management strategy which aims at improving the quality of processes by minimizing and eventually removing the errors and variations. The concept of Six Sigma was introduced by Motorola in 1986 but was popularized by Jack Welch who incorporated the strategy in his business processes at General Electric. The concept of Six Sigma came into existence when one of Motorola’s senior executives complained of Motorola’s bad quality. Bill Smith eventually formulated the methodology in 1986.

The process of Six Sigma originated in manufacturing processes but now it finds its use in other businesses as well. Proper budgets and resources need to be allocated for the implementation of Six Sigma in organizations.

The following are the two Six Sigma methods:

•DMAIC

•DMADV

DMAIC focuses on improving existing business practices. DMADV, on the other hand, focuses on creating new strategies and policies.

DMAIC has Five Phases

•D - Define the Problem. In the first phase, various problems which need to be addressed to are clearly defined. Feedbacks are taken from customers as to what they feel about a particular product or service. Feedbacks are carefully monitored to understand problem areas and their root causes.

•M - Measure and find out the key points of the current process. Once the problem is identified, employees collect relevant data which would give an insight into current processes.

•A - Analyze the data. The information collected in the second stage is thoroughly verified. The root causes of the defects are carefully studied and investigated as to find out how they are affecting the entire process.

•I - Improve the current processes based on the research and analysis done in the previous stage. Efforts are made to create new projects which would ensure superior quality.

•C - Control the processes so that they do not lead to defects.