Six Sigma Introduction

Motorola was the first company to introduce six sigma methodology 20 yrs back. Since then, this methodology has done wonders for many companies. GE, ABN Amro are few big companies that have adopted this methodology very sincerely. Rather, GE has played a major role in promoting six sigma methodology. Jack Welsh can be considered as the pioneer of Six Sigma.

For those who are totally unaware of six sigma might be wondering what exactly is six sigma methodology and how has it done wonders for companies. Well, the answer is that six sigma is a methodology that helps improving any business process by constantly reviewing and re-tuning it. It aims for perfection. The maximum defects that six sigma allows are 3.4 per million opportunities. For example, an average of 3.4 vehicle parts manufactured by Motorola can be defective from million parts manufactured. Six sigma means a standard deviation of 6 from the normal (Normal means the acceptable quality by the customers).As we move away from the normal, the defects increase exponentially. The existing process can be improved using a process called DMAIC.
D - Define
M - Measure
A - Analyze
I - Improve
C - Control

A new process can be designed in six sigma using DMADV:
D - Define
M - Measure
A - Analyze
D - Design
V - Verify

Six Sigma Introduction Video Link

There are various stages of six sigma certifications - Green Belt, Black Belt and Master Black belt. Green Belt professionals are the developers who either work on improving/designing the existing/new process. Black Belt professionals indulge in identifying and analyzing the pain area (area which has a scope of improvement).
Six sigma means quantifying each and every possible available information. It speaks in numbers. This is how measurement becomes so easy using six sigma.

I will explain every stage in details in further posts. Please give your comments on what do you expect from the blog and let me know if you have any questions specific to six sigma.