Six Sigma or 6 Sigma is a brand patented by Motorola in the 80s which designates a structured method of management aimed at an improvement of the processes in quality and efficiency. The Six Sigma method was first applied to industrial procedures before being extended to all types of processes, especially administrative, logistics, commercial and the economization of energy.
In statistics, the Greek letter sigma σ represents typical scrap. « Six Sigma » therefore means « six times typical scrap ». The Six Sigma method is based on a practice founded on the voice of the client (inquiries, etc.) and at the same time on measurable and reliable data (through indicators). This method is used in variability reduction programs in the framework of production processes (or others) and at the product level and so aims to improve global quality of the product and the services.
It is a method (the DMAIC) with different instruments (ability, Ishikawa diagrams, detailed mapping of the processes, hypothesis tests (ANOVA, χ², variance tests, …), experience plans, FMECA, …
- To concentrate on the client
- To significantly improve, in a continuous manner
- To involve people
It is a Method for:
- Eliminating Defects
- Reducing Process Variations
- Eliminating the causes of the Variations and the Defects