What is Six Sigma

Six Sigma (6s) is a set of techniques and tools for process improvement. Six Sigma strategies seek to improve the quality of the output of a process by identifying and removing the causes of defects and minimizing variability in manufacturing and business processes. It is a disciplined, statistical-based, data-driven approach and continuous improvement methodology for eliminating defects in a product, process or service. This process includes measurement, improvement and validation activities. The designation, or title, Six Sigma, relates to the connection between the number of defects per million opportunities and the number of standard deviations found within a process specification.

It is a Quality Management System (QMS) that emphasizes the relationship between product performance and the corrections required during manufacture. The four-phase system became the basis on which the current Six Sigma methodology was built. The four phases were Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. With rising material cost and ever-increasing competition, organizations must seek out methods to increase efficiency. By implementing Six Sigma methodology, an organization can improve efficiency through identification and resolution of product or part defects and minimize the variation within a process. Six Sigma principles are Recognize, Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control, Standardize, and Integrate.