13-11-2012, 04:49 PM
Six Sigma Certification Program
What-is-Six-Sigma.pdf (Size: 876.4 KB / Downloads: 31)
There are two ways to define “Six Sigma”. The first is as a quality management
methodology that uses different theories and tools to improve upon the processes of a
certain business. Simply put, this results in near perfect products and services that meet
and/or exceed the expectations of customers or end users, while simultaneously reducing
the amount of time, money, and resources put in. In other words, with less input, a
greater output will be realized.
The second way to define “Six Sigma” is the statistical way. ‘Sigma’ (σ) is a Greek letter
used to represent the statistical term ‘standard deviation’ which measures the deviations
from average in a particular business process. With more ‘deviation’ from normal,
comes defective products and services that do not fulfill customer needs and wants.
These ‘defects’ end up being returned or requiring resolution, which costs businesses
increased time, money and resources in the long run. A 6 Sigma business process
produces only 3.4 defects per million opportunities.
This is abbreviated as DPMO within this methodology. In other words, 0.00034% of
products produced in a Six Sigma Process are defective. A ‘5 sigma’ process produces
233 DPMO (0.023% defective), a ‘4 sigma’ process produces 6,210 DPMO (0.62%
defective), a ‘3 sigma’ process produces 66,807 DPMO (6.7% defective) and a ‘2 sigma’
process produces 308,538 DPMO (31% defective).
As you can see, going up or down even one sigma level can have a great impact on the
output of a particular business or organization, and therefore, also their bottom line. It is
possible and practical to improve all business processes to 99.9997% perfection with the
Six Sigma Methodology!
For many companies, the cost of defects and waste in their modes of operation are
usually higher than anyone in the company is aware of. While small errors or defects are
occasionally expected, business owners and shareholders may not be seeing the true
overall impact that these defects may have on their business dealings.
One of the most important things to note about the Six Sigma Process is that it does not
rely on quick-fix programs to temporarily mask a business problem. It is a systematic
methodology of hard work that is fused with a disciplined, factual, data-based and
statistical problem-solving method. Therefore, it affects almost all aspects and levels of a
company, which can create panic among employees if it is not thoroughly explained,
through a process called change management.
It is important for everyone within a company using this process to first adopt the Six
Sigma mindset or philosophy, which considers the employees as important assets to the
success of the process and the business overall. This process is deeply rooted in
teamwork, and every last company employee needs to know the ‘why’ behind the change
in order for everyone to commit to its success. It is important to emphasize to employees
that this process is for the benefit of everyone involved. If the company is successful
overall, everyone who is a part of it will be able to share in its success.
By transforming the way business processes are viewed, through an understanding of the
factors that bring about time wastage, defects, and rework, it is possible to improve the
quality of the products and services being delivered to customers. A fortunate byproduct
of this process is also an increased bottom line. Therefore, the ultimate objective is to
create a six sigma organization that’s processes and systems are as close to perfect as
possible; 3.4 DPMO or Six Sigma.