Six Sigma Tutorial

SixSigma

This Six Sigma Tutorial will give you a working knowledge of this gold standard of business analysis. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach to process improvement aimed at the near-elimination of defects from every product, process, and transaction. The purpose of Six Sigma is to gain breakthrough knowledge on how to improve processes to do things BETTER, FASTER, and at LOWER COST. It can be used to improve every facet of business, from production, to human resources, to order entry, to technical support. Six Sigma can be used for any activity that is concerned with cost, timeliness, and quality of results. Unlike previous quality improvement efforts, Six Sigma is designed to provide tangible business results, cost savings that are directly traceable to the bottom line.

Six Sigma is a rigorous approach designed to improve the quality and efficiency of any business process. In fact the goal is to provide a statistical minimum in the number of defects allowed in any functional entity of a business. Data is collected, analyzed using the tools of Six Sigma and perfected with the knowledge gained. When the methodology is performed correctly a statistically perfect system is the result.



Where The Name Six Sigma Came From

Six Sigma Symbol

The name Six Sigma is taken from the concept of a normal or bell curve. When you take the standard deviation of a bell curve, it is often designated with the Greek letter σ.  One sigma is one standard deviation from the mean.  The idea of this technique is to not have defects closer than Six Sigmas from the mean. The following table shows what the probability is of being outside of Six Sigmas on a bell curve.

Sigma Defects/Million Probability
1 700,000 70%
2 330,000 33%
3 70,000 7%
4 8000 .8%
5 300 .03%
6 3 0.0003%

How Hard is Six Sigma to Implement?

Implementing Six Sigma is no walk in the park. It requires a substantial investment in time and resources. Six Sigma projects could drag on for several months or even years and need a dedicated team of professionals to oversee and execute them. Training and certification may also come with a hefty price tag, and it may take time for individuals to gain proficiency.

However, despite the daunting challenges, Six Sigma is an invaluable tool for organizations that are dead-set on enhancing their performance and attaining their goals. The rewards of Six Sigma far outweigh the costs, and the ROI can be massive. Six Sigma has the potential to help organizations cut costs, boost efficiency, and elevate customer satisfaction, resulting in more revenues and profits.

The Advantages of Six Sigma

With Six Sigma, organizations can detect and eliminate waste, such as defects, overproduction, waiting, excess inventory, unnecessary motion, and unused talent. This identification and elimination of waste enable organizations to minimize expenses and increase efficiency. Six Sigma offers a structured approach to spotting and eliminating waste, resulting in substantial cost savings.

Besides, Six Sigma aids organizations in improving their processes by scrutinizing them for inefficiencies and opportunities for betterment. Through this analysis, organizations can reduce errors, increase efficiency, and elevate quality.

Crafting a culture of perpetual enhancement is a pivotal aspect of Six Sigma. By continuously scrutinizing and ameliorating processes, organizations can remain competitive and adapt to ever-evolving market conditions.

Conclusion

Six Sigma is an immensely potent methodology that can aid organizations in enhancing their performance and accomplishing their objectives. It is a structured, data-driven approach that procures palpable business results. The DMAIC process provides a guide for unceasing improvement, and the application of statistical techniques guarantees that the advancements are quantifiable and sustainable. Bestowed with its vast gamut of applications, Six Sigma is a precious tool for any organization that yearns to elevate its performance and realize its goals. Despite necessitating a substantial outlay of time and resources, the rewards are well worth the labor, and the ROI can be astronomical.  In recent years the the term Six Sigma has morphed into Lean Six Sigma.  Hopefully this Six Sigma Tutorial has provided you with an understanding of the vast potential of this method of improving a business operation almost to the level of perfection.

Knowing how to do something is preceded by knowing how it works.

Six Sigma Tutorials In More Detail

Six Sigma Certification How to be recognized a Six Sigma professional.

Overview Of Six Sigma Get the 30,000 foot view of Six Sigma.

What Is Six Sigma? This article's purpose is to define Six Sigma. You will learn what it is and how it is used.

Six Sigma Methodology The methods used to achieve the Six Sigma goal of 3 defects per million.

Six Sigma Tools A summary of some of the tools used in Six Sigma analysis.

Six Sigma Courses Information about training for the various belts or levels of Six Sigma expertise.