What is Six Sigma
A process improvement methodology created by Mikel Harry and Richard Schroeder at Motorola in the early 1980's.  It is a method or set of techniques for quality measurement and improvement program originally developed by Motorola that focuses on the control of a process to the extent of 3.4 defects per million items. A Six Sigma systematic quality program provides businesses with the tools to improve the capability of their business processes. It includes identifying factors critical to quality as determined by the customer, reducing process variation and improving capabilities, increasing stability and designing systems to support the six sigma goal.

Six Sigma is a business system for achieving and sustaining success through customer focus, process management and improvement and the wise use of facts and data.

Unlike the other quality programs, Six sigma is not a goal but a means by which the goals of quality improvement and cost reduction are achieved. Six Sigma gives relentless attention to the “Voice of customer” and measurement techniques employed in the process. This helps the top management of an organization to develop a fact and data driven attitude.

Why do Companies Need it
Generally speaking, companies use Six Sigma to reduce variation in products and processes - but the net effect of any Six Sigma project is what people are really looking for: fewer defects, shorter cycle times, increased capacity and throughput, lower costs, higher revenues and reduced capital expenditures. When Six Sigma is deployed systematically and pervasively - with the right technology support and leadership force - it can produce large amounts of cash for shorter-term profitability or for longer-term investments. In its most simple sense, Six Sigma is a highly disciplined approach to decision making that helps people focus on improving processes to make them as near perfect as possible.