Start with the customer
Define what matters: a conforming product, a reliable response or a consistent service.
LEAN SIX SIGMA
Understand variation. Make progress last.
A data-driven method for more reliable processes.
Explore the pageUNDERSTAND TO TRANSFORM
Six Sigma.
Less uncertainty.
More control.
WHAT IS SIX SIGMA?
Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to process improvement. It helps reduce variation and defects to deliver more consistent results that meet customer expectations.
Observe the facts, investigate the causes, test solutions and track their effects over time.
σIn statistics, sigma denotes standard deviation, a measure of spread. The method helps understand and manage that variability.
Decide with evidence
Measure the situation and verify the causes before choosing a solution.
Sustain improvements
Test, standardize and monitor results to prevent problems from returning.
LEANRemove waste
+SIX SIGMAReduce variation
=A smoother, more reliable process.Explore the 5 DMAIC steps
A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE
Try the Process LabDo customer files frequently need corrections? A Six Sigma approach helps measure errors, identify causes and verify whether corrective actions work.
ONE METHOD. REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS.
Less waste.
More value.
Lean helps remove activities that add no value. Six Sigma helps understand variation and reduce defects. Together, they provide a structured approach to continuous improvement.
Understand Lean Six SigmaDMAICYour improvement framework
01
Define the right problem.
Clarify the customer need, project scope and goal before looking for solutions.
LEAN SIX SIGMA, IN ACTION
Go beyond understanding.
Experiment.
PROCESS LAB
Move the slider. See how reducing waiting time changes a process’s lead time.
LEARNING SIMULATION · A CUSTOMER FILE
BASELINE80 min
Waiting60 min
AFTER IMPROVEMENT50 min
Waiting30 min
Constant processing time: 20 minInitial waiting time: 60 min
0 %100 %
LEAD TIME REDUCED BY37,5%
↗
Same useful work. Less waiting. A more efficient flow.
Fictional educational example. Lead time = processing + waiting time. No actual results or guaranteed gains are implied.
LANDMARKS
Where did Six Sigma come from?
Developed at Motorola in the 1980s, the approach was later spread widely by GE. It combines measurement, analysis and process control.
Variation
Two outputs from one process are rarely identical. Measuring their spread helps distinguish routine causes from unusual signals.
Defect
A defect is an outcome that misses a defined requirement. Relating it to defect opportunities makes processes comparable.
Sigma level
Sigma level describes statistical performance. The DPMO figures below are conventional references using a 1.5σ shift.
| Level | DPMO |
|---|---|
| 1σ | 691 462 |
| 2σ | 308 538 |
| 3σ | 66 807 |
| 4σ | 6 210 |
| 5σ | 233 |
| 6σ | 3,4 |
LEAN
Make flow more valuable
Lean identifies activities that create customer value and reduces unnecessary waits, handoffs and rework. Just-in-time aims to produce when needed.
The eight wastes
Defects
Corrections and rework
Overproduction
Producing before demand
Waiting
Time without progress
Unused talent
Ideas and skills overlooked
Transportation
Moving products
Inventory
Excess work in progress
Motion
Unnecessary movement of people
Extra processing
Steps without added value
DMAIC: a deliverable at every step
Each phase produces evidence or a decision the team can review.
Define
Project charter, voice of customer, SIPOC
Measure
Collection plan, process map, baseline
Analyze
Pareto, root causes, tested hypotheses
Improve
Tested solutions, pilot, before and after comparison
Control
Control plan, standards, measure tracking
Two complementary approaches
Lean focuses on flow and waste; Six Sigma focuses on variation and defects. Together they structure improvement.
Champion
Sets direction, supports the project and removes obstacles.
Black Belt
Leads complex analysis and coaches teams.
Green Belt
Leads an improvement project with DMAIC tools.
Yellow Belt
Contributes to the team and understands the foundations.
Illustrative applications
Manufacturing
Reduce production defects
Healthcare
Improve patient flow
Banking
Reduce file rework
Public administration
Shorten processing waits
Teaching examples, without a performance guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Does Six Sigma apply to services?
Yes. Delay, file errors and inconsistent responses can be defined, measured and improved.
Must I master statistics?
Tools vary by project and level. The method starts with a clearly defined problem and reliable data.