History and Origins of Six Sigma

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Six -Sigma: is a set of methods developed and used to ensure that process improvement and consistent output in manufacturing. This method is covered by 6 certifications which are supported by quality control managers in manufacturing. From a broader perspective, Six -Sigma is a quality program that improves the customer experience, lowers costs, and builds better leaders. The direct meaning of Six -Sigma is that it is measure of quality that attempts to reach near perfection. Six -Sigma provides a tool kit for process improvement. This means that if it is applied the process of manufacturing or providing service improves. From the statistical perspective, Six -Sigma means describing how a process is performing. It means that a process must not lead to more than 3.4 defects per million outputs. Six -Sigma refers to the total quantity of chances for a defect (1). The process sigma can be calculated by using a Six Sigma calculator. Six -Sigma is a measurement based strategy that concentrates on process improvement and variation reduction through improvement projects of Six -Sigma. From a different perspective Six -Sigma seeks to improve the quality of output of the process through the identification and removing the causes of defects and minimizing variability.

Origin & History: The substratum of Six -Sigma can be traced to Gauss (1777-1855) who introduced the concept of the normal curve. Six -Sigma as a standard of product variation was first noticed in 1920's when Walter Shewhart showed that three sigma from the mean is the point where a process requires correction. The term Six -Sigma was first used by a Motorola engineer Bill Smith. In early and mid 1980s Motorola decided to measure the defects per million opportunities, it developed the standard of Six -Sigma, created a method and cultural change required to implement it. Six -Sigma helped Motorola document more than $16 billion in savings as a result of Six Sigma efforts. Since, then Six -Sigma has been adopted by several American companies such the General Electric and Allied Signal. In fact Jack Welch of GE and Larry Bossidy of Allied both championed the adoption of Six -Sigma in their companies. Over period of time Six -Sigma has evolved. Those who use the system see it as a vision, a philosophy, a symbol, a metric, a goal, & methodology. In 1995, Jack Welch made it central to his business strategy at General Electric. In 1993 Motorola registered Six -Sigma as a ...