Six Sigma is a set of techniques and tools aimed at process improvement by identifying and removing the causes of defects or errors and minimising variability in manufacturing and business processes. Developed by Bill Smith at Motorola in 1986, the Six Sigma methodology relies heavily on statistical methods to improve quality and achieve a near-perfect level of quality, targeting a defect rate of 3.4 defects per million opportunities. It involves a data-driven approach and employs various quality management methods, including statistical methods, and creates a special infrastructure of experts within the organisation (Black Belts, Green Belts, etc.) to lead and implement these improvements. Typically, Six Sigma projects follow two project methodologies inspired by Deming's Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle: DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) and DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyse, Design, Verify).
Origin of the Six Sigma
Six Sigma was developed by Bill Smith, an engineer at Motorola, in 1986. The methodology was initially created as a set of practices designed to improve manufacturing processes and eliminate defects, but it has since been applied to various other types of business processes as well. Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric, played a significant role in popularising Six Sigma when he made it a central focus of GE's business strategy in the 1990s.