Sigma is a statistical term that measures the amount of variation or dispersion of a data from the mean value. Six Sigma measures how far a given process deviates from perfection. The name comes from the idea that there can be six standard deviations between the process mean (average) and its upper and lower specification limits.
The objective of Six Sigma methodology is to better the manufacturing (or services) process to achieve zero defect in whatever an organization does. However, if a process produces no more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities, it can claim to have achieved the Six Sigma Quality.
In Six Sigma terminology, an "opportunity" is defined as a chance for non-conformance, or not meeting the required specifications.
Six Sigma believes that it is the customer who can define what is quality and what are deviations. The concept sees things from customer's eyes. For instance, the Six Sigma thinking defines a defect as the instance of "failing to deliver what the customer wants", and a variation as "what the customer sees and feels". And the design for Six Sigma focuses on meeting "customer needs and process capability".
Six Sigma has its origin in manufacturing sector. However, it is adopted in industries and sectors of all hues and colours. In software industry Six Sigma helps in sustaining continuous improvements in the software development process and in software product quality. It speeds up integration and test, allows delivery of very high quality product, improves the repeatability and predictability of the entire software development process.
In the services sector, like hospitality, Six Sigma helps hotels improve the quality and consistency of experiences of guests. It provides the framework and tools they need to create and maintain superior standards within properties.
Six Sigma is a top-down methodology but it involves everyone in an organization - and even its suppliers. Organizations create exclusive positions like Black Belts (who lead problem-solving projects; train and coach project teams), orange-text Belts (who assist with data collection and analysis), Master Black Belts (who train and coach Black Belts and orange-text Belts), and Yellow Belts (everyone else in the organization who participate as team members).
Training in Six Sigma primarily involves learning project methodologies such as DMAIC and DMADV that emphasize on continuous improvement to achieve customer satisfaction. The methodologies cover crucial steps like defining problems, planning for data collection, preparing a sufficient data sample and analysis, identifying root cause of defects, design and improve processes to eliminate identified defects, and sustain the results before aiming for the next improvement.
Synergy offers Six Sigma training and certification program conducted by certified trainers with industry exposure. Our courses make students and professionals extremely proficient in the technical aspects of Six Sigma statistics and process.
We impart deep knowledge of all Six Sigma methods and tools that are required for you to lead projects by solving a majority of process problems that arise in manufacturing and services environments. The courses are tailor made for executives, managers, and team members of business and not-for-profit organizations. Check out our Six Sigma courses here.