The
core of the Six Sigma methodology is a data-driven, systematic
approach to problem solving that focuses on customer impact and
product quality. An acceptable Six Sigma project can be started
with only rudimentary statistical tools. The widely accepted definition
of a Six Sigma process is one that produces 3.4 defective parts
per million opportunities.
The
Six Sigma philosophy is dictated by statistical analysis of processes
and production numbers. More information on the mathematical basis
is available here.
When
organizations strive for perfection in their production processes,
their defective to acceptable part ratio drops dramatically. Six
Sigma is a process by which the defect rate is related to the
company's manufacturing methods, so the number of rejected parts
can be decreased (ideally, to 3.4 defective parts per million),
and the material and labor costs of the business can be reduced
as a result.
At
its core, Six Sigma revolves around a few key concepts.
- Critical
to Quality
- Attributes most important to the customer
- Defect
- Failing to deliver what the customer wants
- Process
Capability
- What your process can deliver
- Variation
- What the customer sees and feels
- Stable
Operations -
Ensuring consistent, predictable processes to improve what the
customer sees and feels
- Design
for Six Sigma
- Designing to meet customer needs and process capability
Six
Sigma identifies five key roles for its successful implementation
- Executive
Leadership
- includes CEO and other key top management team members. They
are responsible for setting up a vision for Six Sigma implementation.
- Champions
- responsible for the Six Sigma implementation across the organization
in an integrated manner.
- Master
Black Belts
- identified by champions, act as in-house expert coaches for
the organization on Six Sigma. They devote 100% of their time
to Six Sigma.
- Experts
- this level of skill is used primarily within Aerospace and
Defense Business Sectors. Experts work across company boundaries,
improving services, processes, and products for their suppliers,
their entire campuses, and for their customers.
- Black
Belts
- operate under Master Black Belts to apply Six Sigma methodology
to specific projects. They devote 100% of their time to Six
Sigma. They primarily focus on Six Sigma project execution.
- Green
Belts
- the employees who take up Six Sigma implementation along with
their other job responsibilities
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