What Happened to Six Sigma?
Once the hottest trend in quality management, Six Sigma no longer makes headlines. Still, despite a lower profile, the process remains relevant. Six Sigma is a process that relies on statistics and data analysis to reduce errors or defects. Six Sigma's primary purpose is to improve cycle times while lowering defects to no more than 3.4 defects per million units or events. But with passage of time, other methodologies, such as Agile, Lean, and Continual Improvement, have gradually nudged Six Sigma out of the efficiency/productivity spotlight. Relevance with Present Six Sigma and its offspring, Lean Six Sigma, remain relevant in manufacturing and several service industries,…