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  • Essay / Consideration of Six Sigma

    Six Sigma in many organizations simply means a quality measure that strives for perfection. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects (aiming for six standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limit) in any process – from manufacturing to transaction and from product to service. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The roots of Six Sigma as a measurement standard date back to Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777-1855) who introduced the concept of normality. curve. Six Sigma as a standard for measuring product variation dates back to the 1920s, when Walter Shewhart showed that three sigma from the mean is the point where a process requires correction. Many measurement standards (Cpk, Zero Defects, etc.) appeared later, but credit for coining the term "Six Sigma" goes to a Motorola engineer named Bill Smith. Bill Smith, with Mikel Harry, wrote and codified a research report on the new quality management system which emphasized the interdependence between a product's performance in the market and the required adjustments in the level of manufacturing. The report clearly states that the fewer non-conformities at each stage of production, the better the performance. This report was nothing short of a revolution as it paved the way for the implementation of “logic filters” as a key tool to solve problems. Bob Galvin, then CEO of Motorola, became a leader in this system, and with his help, this four-step logic filter later became the skeleton of today's Six Sigma. The four steps were known as Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. Methodologies The fundamental objective of Six Sigma methodology is the implementation of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and reduction of variation through the application of Six Sigma improvement projects. achieved through the use of two Six Sigma sub-methodologies: DMAIC: The DMAIC project methodology (acronym for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improvement and Control) has five phases. Define the system, the voice of the customer and its requirements, and the objectives of the particular project. Measure key aspects of the current process and collect relevant data; calculate the capacity of the process “as is”. Analyze data to study and verify cause and effect relationships. Determine what the relationships are and try to ensure all factors have been considered. Find the root cause of the defect under investigation. Improve or optimize the current process based on data analysis using techniques such as design of experiments, poka yoke or error checking, as well as standard work to create a new process of future state. Implement pilot runs to establish process capability. Monitor the future state process to ensure that any deviations from the goal are corrected before they result in defects. Implement control systems such as statistical process control, production boards, visual workstations and continuously monitor the process. This process is repeated until the desired level of quality is achieved.DMADV: The DMADV project methodology, known as DFSS (“Design For Six Sigma”), has five phases: Define design objectives consistent with customer demands and company strategy. Measure and identify CTQs (essential quality characteristics),.