Six Sigma as a quality program is also a tool for problem solving. Six sigma emphasizes the application of this tool methodically and systematically that will produce breakthroughs in quality improvement. This systematic methodology is generic so that it can be applied in both manufacturing and service industries.

The advantages of implementing Six Sigma differ for each company, depending on the business it is running. Usually Six Sigma brings improvements to the following (Pande, Peter 2000):

1. Improved productivity
2. Cost reduction
3.Growth of market share
4. Product / service development
5. Reduced defects
6. Reduction cycle time
7. Customer retention
Judging from the tools used, Six Sigma is quite extensive. The following figure shows the methods commonly used in Six Sigma.

Methods and Tools Important in Six Sigma

The advantages of Six Sigma compared to other methods are:

1. With Six Sigma it is understandable which systems and variables can be monitored and responded quickly.
Six Sigma is much more detailed than statistical analysis methods. Six Sigma can be applied in any business ranging from strategic planning to operational to customer service and maximization of motivation for business.
2. Six Sigma is not static. When customer needs change, sigma performance will change.
One of the key to the success of Six Sigma is teamwork and specifically the Black Belt being trained, as well as the tools used to give strength to the business process improvement and learning effort. Methods or tools include:
3. With Six Sigma it is understandable which systems and variables can be monitored and responded quickly.
4. Six Sigma is highly potential for service or non-manufacturing in addition to technical environments, such as areas of management, finance, customer service, marketing, logistics, information technology and so on.

SPC (Statistical Process Control) or statistical process control, useful for identifying problems.
Testing statistically significant levels (Chi-Square, T-Test and ANOVA), to define the problem and root cause analysis of the problem,
Correlation and Regression, is useful for analyzing the root cause of the problem and predicting the outcome.
Experiment Design, to analyze optimal solutions and validate results.
FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis), useful for finding priority problems and prevention.
Mistake – Proofing, useful for the prevention of defects and process improvement.
QFD (Quality Function Deployment), to design products, processes and services.
The terminology that is the key to the six sigma concept is as follows:

CTQ (Critical to Quality) = the main attribute of consumer needs. CTQ can be interpreted as an element of the process / activity that directly affect the achievement of the desired quality
Process Capability = the ability of the process to work and produce a quality product
Variation = something customers perceive and perceive. Six sigma focuses on knowing what causes
Defect = failure to satisfy the customer
variation and prevents the variation, thereby increasing the capability of the process.
Stable Operation = maintains the consistency of the predicted process so as to enhance process capability.
Design For Six Sigma (DFSS) = a design to meet customer needs and process capabilities.
DMAIC = is a process for continuous improvement towards six sigma.
DPMO (Defect Per Million Opportunity) = measure of failure in six sigma indicating failure of opportunity opportunity.