what is 6 sigma?

Answer 1

Six Sigma is a system of practices originally developed by Motorola to systematically improve processes by eliminating defects

Answer 2

Any production system is subject to variations, for whatever reasons. The idea behind Six Sigma is to control a production system so well that the probability of a defect is reduced to virtually nothing. This is achieved by monitoring the production parameters and key dimensions or characteristics of the product so that any trend that could eventually lead to out-of-specification products being made would be corrected even before an actual defective component is actually made. The target is Six Sigma (for six standard deviation) but in actually fact, it is only 3 sigma because it is expected that the other 3 sigma variation would be attributed to parameters that cannot be controlled. All of this is supposed to lead to 3.4 defects per million opportunity.

Now, I have read some of the other answers, and must comment on the applicability of the method.
Six Sigma is based on sound statistical methodology. In reality, however, it has been my experience that it is viewed by some middle management as just an opportunity to further their carrier, and impose a philosophy that they understand nothing about just because it is linked with their bonus. Well implemented, Six Sigma simply makes sense, and should work, but then comes a moment when every obvious problems were addressed, leaving only stupid management decision as the main culprit for defects, and would management support anything that would challenge their position in the company?
So out goes Six Sigma, and let's bring yet another quality system, so that a new batch of parasites and consultants can further their carrer at the expense of the people doing the work. It is quite sad, actually.

Answer 3

6 Sigma refers to a process Quality Metric for describing the ability of a company to produce (manufacture) a product with a very small defect count. It refers to the number of standard deviations from the mean, statistically, and is used to provide a way of predicting how many defects a product is likely to have. In quality terms, getting past 6 sigma's means that the vast majority of products you ship are defect free. In order to achieve such a rate (say, depending on the industry) one out of a million widgets has a defect, each and every part used in the manufacture of the part must exceed these quality levels.
The term "six-sigma" has been used as a description of both the quality of product and the processes that are in place to achieve and maintain high quality.

Answer 4

Hi A value equal to +/- 3 standard deviations. A process that is within 6 sigma (sigma is the term for standard deviation) has about three defects per million opportunities.

Answer 5

Six Sigma is a system of practices originally developed by Motorola to systematically improve processes by eliminating defects.[1] Defects are defined as units that are not members of the intended population. Since it was originally developed, Six Sigma has become an element of many Total Quality Management (TQM) initiatives.

Answer 6

i don't have an extremely good carry close of the 6-sigma technique, yet from what i be conscious of, 3.4 is the style of blunders in step with million approaches. My business company makes use of the 6-sigma technique to degree overall performance in records accuracy. We take gasoline orders from commercial purchasers, and on your occasion there could be 3.4 blunders in step with each and every a million million orders. that would desire to be a point 6 sigma, i've got confidence, and that's stated that any handbook technique isn't vulnerable to attain greater suitable than 4 sigma. i'm sorry i can't help plenty. i've got published some hyperlinks the place you will locate greater suggestions.

Answer 7

Sigma 6 was a rhythm and blues band formed in 1964 by Roger Waters while he was studying architecture at a college in Cambridge.

I know thats not the right answer, but it's more interesting.

Answer 8

I am a current Six Sigma blackbelt for a fortune 400 company.

I read thought the answers and agree with almost everyone. I don't agree with those that say it is a waste of time, only used for people trying to get ahead in their career, etc.

My experience with six sigma is just like anyone's experience with their career path. You get out of it what you put in, and we have a serious work ethic issue in white collar America.

To those that say it is a waste of time most probabilistically (99.99% confidence!) have had a bad experience with someone who knew to say they were using "six sigma" when they actually were not in the hopes of impressing someone, they are jealous at the skyrocket path "those six sigma types" seem to be on, or have found that the methodical, data-driven approach to problem solving actually proved them wrong at one or more points in the past. (I've proven many high ranking officials dead wrong in the past. - they always refute the evidence and complain that your data must be wrong. It's just data, man... it don't lie)

They're grudge holders. Don't listen to them.

If you want more information on basic statistics, visit the references below. iSixSigma produces a great magazine that is easy to read, has excellent real-world examples, and showcases a new six sigma tool each issue.

Answer 9

6 Sigma is yet another buzzword ladden program that encompasses a lot of work to do the obvious while making managers feel good. Not only does it increase the work burden among already overtaxed worker, but provides employment for consultants previously unemployable. ;-)

Answer 10

My experience is that it's an attempt to reduce statistical process control and Deming management methodology to a set of plug-in formulae. This allows managers to believe that testing personnel and awarding certifications based on those tests is doing something meaningful to help control their processes. It also lets them offload responsibility onto experts instead of their own leadership failures. The statistical tools are valid. The mythology, jargon, and qualification systems that have grown up around them aren't. If you want to dive into the ongoing intellectual brawl, join the forum.