Six Sigma Quality

The Definition of The Theory

6Sigma(6σ)is the Greek letter used to designate the estimated standard deviation
or

variation in a process. This theory is a kind of quality management aimed at pursuing zero

of defect production and improving customer satisfaction. 6σ management theory not

only focuses on the quality of production and service, but also concerned about the

process of improvement. 6σ is a target, this level of quality means that in all of the

processes and results,99.99966% is not defective. That is, less than 3.4 defects or

mistakes per million. It is evolved from Total Quality Management( TQM) and

becomes the statistical tools to analyze the causes of product defects. The higher
the

“sigma level”, the lower the amount of variation.) 6σ is the highly standard process
of

assisting companies focus on developing and providing the nearly perfect products

and services.

The History of 6σ

The 6σ concept- as the quality management concept, originally came up and

developed by Bill Smith( Motorola. Inc, 1986.) It was formed and put into practice.

Three years later, the Motorola got great success: the product failure rate decreased

from 6210 per million(about 4σ)to 32 per million.(about 5.5σ). General Electric

Company make the highly effective strategy into management philosophy and
practice, and eventually form the corporate culture. At present, 6σ management

theory is spreading fast among industries and many companies.

The characters of 6σ

As a continuous method of quality improvement, 6 sigma theory has its

special

characters:

1, Highly focus on the customer requirement

6σ theory centers on customer, it pays much attention on the need of customers.

2, Based on statistic data

Statistic data is an important tool to measure 6σ. The numbers, data are useful for

making decisions and supervising the error rate of product.

3, Highly concern about business processes

The traditional quantity management just focus on the results, not seriously deal with the

Processes are as important as results. After sales of service and repair cause more cost of

companies and waster of the available resources.

4, No border cooperation

No border cooperation is a secret of GE to be success. 6σ management widens the

Opportunities of cooperate, eliminates barriers between high and lower levels at the

Same or different departments.

The advantages of 6σ

1, Improve the ability of corporate management

2, Save the costs of business operations.

3, increase customer value and satisfaction

 4, enhance service levels.

5, form a positive corporate culture

The levels of 6σ

6σ = 3.4 defects per million, equals almost perfect management, very

strong competitive and loyal and regular customer.

5σ = 230 defects per million, equals excellent management, strong

competitive and regular customer.

4σ = 6,210 defects per million, equals good management and operational

ability and have some satisfying customer.

3σ = 66,800 defects per million, equals ordinary management and lack of

competitive.

2σ = 308,000 defects per million, equals one third resources of corporate

waste everyday.

1σ = 690,000 defects per million, equals two third of business go wrong,

the corporate can not survive.

The Organizational structure of 6σ Personnel Management

6σ management needs a style of rational and efficient structure to make sure

the business can be done successfully. In the past ,almost 80% implementer of TQM

got failed. The biggest reason of failures is that the management lacks of a

personnel organization.

(1) 6σ Management Committee

The committee is the highest leadership agency. Its main duty is setting kinds of
positions at the beginning stage, distributing resources and instruct the projects. When the

teams meet some barriers, the members assist them to work out.
(2) Executives

This position is very essential for the whole processes. The detailed responsibilities

are: set goals, directions and scope for projects; coordinate resources for each terms
needs

and requirement; strengthen communication between each project team.

（3） Black Belt

Black belt are the backbone of reform. They are voted out from internal selection

with Six Sigma Black Belt Certification(CSSBB). They take charge of their programs and

training the green belt. They could demonstrate teamwork ability and take their

responsibilities seriously.

(4 ) Green Belt

Green Belt take charge of some little difficult teamwork. Their training includes

Program Management, Quality Management tools and date analysis, which are involved

with 6σmanagement theory.

The Application of 6σ: D-M-A-I-C

DMAIC means the five stages when people implement a program. The
five

letters are the abbreviation of Define – Measure – Analyze – Improve – Control.

Define

Define the definite problems, know the target of the project and hear the

feedback from customer.

Measure

Measure the process of core business and collect operating data.

Analysis

Analysis and understand which methods and tools can use to reduce the

current sales to target sales. Take advantage of statistic tools to guide analysis. Make sure

the causes of defect.

Improvement

Improve the current processes based on the analysis data. Improve the

operation faster and more efficient.

Control

Control the further stages of process, reduce the defect rate. Keep the

productivity at a new level.

Citation

http://www.asq.org/certification/six-sigma/

http://www.asq.org/certification/six-sigma-green-belt/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Sigma#DMAIC