Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating

defects in any process -- from manufacturing to service. The statistical

representation of Six Sigma describes quantitatively how a process is
performing. To achieve Six Sigma, a process must not produce more than 3.4
defects per million opportunities. A Six Sigma defect is defined as anything
outside of customer specifications.

The fundamental objective of the Six Sigma methodology is the implementation

of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and
variation reduction through the application of Six Sigma improvement projects.

Why is Six Sigma so attractive to so many businesses right now? Because being
successful and staying successful in business in more challenging today than
ever before. Companies like GE, Sun Microsystems and many others are flexing
the Six Sigma system to create new products and improve existing processes
etc. Leaders of these Six sigma companies know that this methodology
encompasses a wide variety of simple and advanced tools to solve problems,
reduce variation to near zero by a target date, delight customers and
demonstrate financial benefits by target date and speed up the process of
improvement.

The Six Sigma methodology works on the six key ingredients needed to achieve
Six Sigma capability within the organization:

• The genuine focus on customers

• Data and fact-driven management
• Process focus and improvement to increase customer satisfaction
• Proactive management
• Boundaryless collaboration
• Drive for perfection
The Six Sigma methodology is highly appreciated by leaders due to the fact that
the above principles of Six Sigma methodology results in the following key areas
of concern for the businesses on which its success depends:

• Understanding Critical to Quality parameters i.e. Attributes most important

to the customer
• Reducing Defects i.e. Failing to deliver what the customer wants
• Understanding the Process Capability i.e. What your process can deliver
• Understanding Variations i.e. What the customer wants and gets
• Increasing Stable Operations i.e. Ensuring consistent, predictable
processes to improve what the customer sees and feels
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Increase ROI i.e. profit improvement through cost reduction and customer
satisfaction

All above indicates that Six Sigma is a very effective methodology and should
be adopted by businesses to improve its overall performance.