Six Sigma Tools

Six Sigma is basically a metric or standard set of procedures designed to limit defects within a given company process. It was developed by Bill Smith at Motorola in 1986, and has since become an incredibly popular efficiency metric, in part because of its successful adoption by GE. Originally, Six Sigma’s stated goal was to reduce defects to 3.4 reported in every one million results.

Six Sigma essentially uses a six-step methodology to achieve its results. This methodology includes the following steps: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. In some Six Sigma variants, the final two steps of this methodology are replaced with Design and Verify.

In order to be successfully implemented, Six Sigma describes a basic five roles that must be filled in its operation. These are: Executive Leadership, Champions, Master Black Belts, Black Belts, and Green Belts. These colorful monikers describe various levels of responsibility and expertise, from everyday employees who implement the Six Sigma guidelines in their normal processes to top-level controllers who manage the design and implementation of Six Sigma.

Companies in a variety of industries have found success using Six Sigma. These industries include healthcare, banking, insurance, and construction. In each case, defects have been reduced and productivity has been increased. An interesting and occasionally controversial aspect of Six Sigma is the designation of certain agents as Black Belts and Master Black Belts. Both classes have as their only responsibility the upkeep and design of Six Sigma.

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