The Six Sigma methodology is called “Six Sigma” because it aims to create a process level that performs within six standard deviations (sigmas) away from the mean in a normal distribution. This reflects a defect rate of only 3.4 defects per one million process events, which Six Sigma seeks...
Six Sigma was organized with five phases to address these issues. What are the five phases of Six Sigma? Define In this phase the boundaries for the process being analyzed are set and the expectations or desired performance for that process are defined from a customer perspective. This is to...
Employees who have the yellow belt normally have basic knowledge about main Six Sigma methodologies and statistical tools, but the role may not join the analysis of the system. Yellow belt employees are usually assigned to measure the phase of their projects and gather measurements metrics and data...
Six Sigma Black Belt is an expert professional who has a deep and relevant knowledge base and experience with the Six Sigma process. Black Belts are charged with the overall management and direction of Six Sigma projects as well as reporting and supporting Green Belts (which are junior to Black...
Lean Six Sigma combines the best of both Six Sigma and the lean manufacturing process. All employees are expected to help eliminate waste; they receive just-in-time (JIT) training regularly, and the tools they are given to identify and eliminate waste are designed to be easily understood and...
There are multiple methodologies in Six Sigma. As such, some are designed for continuous incremental improvements while others are for dramatic breakthrough change. However, the most common Six Sigma method is known as DMAIC. The graphic below shows this structured 5 stage sequential approach. DMAIC...
Typically, formal Six Sigma projects are run by specially-trained and formally-certified “Belts,” such as Green Belts, Black Belts, or Master Black Belts using one of two frameworks called DMAIC and DMADV. These methodologies are both used to eliminate defects through data intensive approaches....
When Lean and Six Sigma are integrated, organizations can benefit from the strengths of both methodologies. Lean helps streamline processes and reduce waste, while Six Sigma provides the tools to identify and eliminate defects and variations. The result is improved efficiency, higher quality products...
The term Six Sigma originated in manufacturing as a means of quality control. Six Sigma quality is achieved when long-term defect levels are below 3.4 defects per million opportunities (DPMO). Six Sigma has since evolved into a more general business concept, focusing on meeting customer requiremen...
across industry sectors, has witnessed significant improvements in productivity and competitiveness during the past couple of decades as a result of continuous improvement (CI) methodologies. Two of these methodologies that are recognized as having broad applicability are lean manufacturing and Six Sigma....