Definition Of Six Sigma

A Web Definition of Six Sigma is a quality measure and improvement program developed by Motorola that focuses on the control of a process to the point of ± six sigma (standard deviations) from a centerline, or 3.4 defects per million items. It includes identifying factors critical to quality as determined by the customer, reducing process variation and improving capabilities, increasing stability and designing systems to support the six sigma goal.

As per another Definition of Six Sigma, Six Sigma is both a management practice as well as a capability measure. The fundamental Definition of Six Sigma capability refers to a process where "the center of the process is away from the nearest specification limit by six standard deviations of the process". The fundamental Definition of Six Sigma as a management practice refers to the business initiative undertaken at an enterprise to systematically enhance the capability of its business processes to better meet/exceed customer specifications, resulting in a tangible business gain. This simplified definition describes the implication of "doing Six Sigma".

The Literal Definition of Six Sigma: Literally speaking, the 18th letter in the Greek alphabet, sigma , is the symbol for standard deviation. It is a measure of variance. The goal of Six Sigma is to reduce variation so there are no more than +/- six standard deviations (Six Sigma) between the mean and the nearest specification limit. When a process is operating at Six Sigma, no more than 3.4 “defects” per million opportunities are produced.

Sigma is a letter of the Greek alphabet used as a symbol by statisticians to mark a bell curve showing the likelihood that a process will deviate from the norm.  The narrow Definition of Six Sigma is 3.4 defects per 1 million opportunities or 99.9997 percent perfect. Today, most companies operate at Three Sigma, which allows 66,803 defects per million (93.332 percent perfect).

The Six Sigma is a near-perfect target in meeting customer expectations. Statistically-defined Definition of Six Sigma, the performance of a process should not exceed the 3.4 error probability in a million, that is to say, there should be less than 3.4 errors in a million.

Definition of Six Sigma when viewed from the management perspective, the Six Sigma is a "cultural transformation" which repositions the company in the direction of increased customer satisfaction, profitability and competitiveness. When we observe the transformation underwent by companies which practice this system, we see that the term cultural transformation is not an exaggeration.

The most fundamental features of the Six Sigma is a thorough understanding of customer expectations, the institution of a decision mechanism based on data and the disciplined practice of the processes, as a result of which;

• Errors are reduced
• Return processes are shortened
• Stock levels decline
• Productivity is increased and costs are reduced resulting in a high level of customer satisfaction and increased profitability stemming from increased market share.

So whatever may be the Definition of Six Sigma, Six Sigma is a comprehensive and flexible system for achieving, sustaining and maximizing business success. Six Sigma is uniquely driven by the close understanding of customer needs, disciplined use of facts, data, and statistical analysis, and diligent attention to managing, improving, and reinventing business process.

Six Sigma is not the name of some new sorority or fraternity. It is a business process that allows companies to drastically improve their bottom line by designing and monitoring everyday business activities in ways that minimize waste and resources while increasing customer satisfaction. This process provides specific methods to re-create the process so that defects and errors never arise again.

Let’s see the Business Media Definition of Six Sigma, “highly technical method used by engineers and statisticians to fine-tune products and processes”. This Definition of Six Sigma is true in part. Measures and statistics are a key ingredient of Six Sigma improvement - but they are no means the whole story.

Another Definition of Six Sigma is that it has a goal of near perfection in meeting customer requirements. This also is accurate; in fact, the term “Six Sigma” itself refers to a statistically derived performance target of operating with only 3.4 defects per million activities or “opportunities.” It’s a goal few companies can claim to have achieved.

Still another Definition of Six Sigma, Six Sigma is as a sweeping “culture change” effort to position a company for greater customer satisfaction, profitability, and competitive-ness. Considering the company-wide commitment to Six Sigma at places like General Electric and Motorola, “culture change” is certainly a valid way to de-scribe Six Sigma. But it is also possible to do Six Sigma without making a frontal assault on your company culture.