What is six sigma ? Six sigma is a statistical concept that measures the error in relation to the process – at the level of six sigma , there were 3.4 failures for every one million opportunities . So for example , you produce 1 million of goods , then the defect is only 3.4 ! That means the percentage , we are working to achieve accuracy = 99.9997 % or nearly perfect
Why companies need to apply six sigma . Of course this is because it can help companies to dramatically improve the quality of work , and in the end can increase revenues and lower costs of quality failure . For example , in the company of General Electric , Six Sigma add a turnover of more than $ 2 billion in 1999 alone . While in the company Motorola has achieved savings of more than $ 15 billion in the first 10 years the use of Six Sigma . Also on AlliedSignal companies that have reported savings of $ 1.5 billion through the Six Sigma program .
Six Sigma process itself can be done through the following five stages .
Phase 1 : Define – Define the project goals and customer deliverables ( internal and external ) . In this stage we identify and set clear goals or expectations that are expected of a quality improvement program that will be our way .
Phase 2 : Measure – Measure the process to determine current performance level . In this stage we take measurements to see the level of performance we are at the present time . Is it satisfactory or still below expectations .
Phase 3 : Analyze – Analyze and determine the root cause of faults ( defects ) . In this stage we do an analysis to determine the root of the failure of the process that we often do . In this case , we try to find the root cause of the failure of process or failure to achieve the best quality .
Stage 4 : Improve – Improve the process by eliminating errors . In this phase we conducted a series of processes and interventions to eliminate errors or cure the root of the problem we have been looking at the previous stage . Stages improvement is one of the keys in the six sigma process . Because this is usually done in a series of stages of change that is basic and fundamental to be able to improve the quality of the process .
Stage 5 : Control – Control the process performance in the future . In this stage we do control and monitoring in order to improve the stage that has been done before can be maintained .
In the implementation of six sigma we know also some terms for the implementation. The first is a master black belts . This position selected by the top management , and their role as a coach is to formulate , plan and manage the implementation of Six Sigma . They devote 100 % of their time to Six Sigma .
Black Belts . This position operates under Master Black Belts to apply Six Sigma methodologies in a specific project . They focus on aspects of the implementation of Six Sigma projects .
Green Belts . An employee who implement Six Sigma implementation along with their other routine work . They operate under the guidance of Black Belts in achieving the goal of improving the overall quality