The definition of Six sigma is a measure of quality that strives for perfection at many organizations. It is a disciplined and data-driven methodology and approach for removing the defects from any process from manufacture to transaction and from products to service. Process excellence is just one outcome of Six Sigma when it’s implemented and managed properly. The main objective of the methodology is the implementation of a measurement-based method for focusing on variation reduction and process improvement with the application of six sigma improvement projects. This can be accomplished by using two sub methodologies DMADV and DMAIC. The DMADV process is an improvement system used for developing new products at the quality levels of six sigma. The DMAIC is a process for improving the existing processes that are below the specification and need improvement. Both these types are executed by the Black Belts and Green Belts and overseen by the Master Black Belts.

In order to implement the system in any business the following facilitators are required in the hierarchy.

Executive leaders: They belong to the top-level management and are also responsible for the specific policies and guidelines required for implementing six sigma. They can appoint subordinate leaders and assign certain functions to them.

Champions: They are chosen by the executive leaders from higher ranks of management. They are responsible for actually putting into action the vision put forward by their leaders. They are responsible for training people under them too.

Master black belts: The group is responsible for making the policies known and understood by the people under them. They act as coordinators between the champions, the direct superiors, the subordinates and the black belts.

Black belts: They lead the rest of the people in observing the six sigma principles in the various business processes. They are fully trained by the master black belts and are responsible for carrying out the orders of the higher ranks. They have to ensure that everyone adheres to the guidelines.

Green belts and yellow belts: They are from the work force of the business, trained in the six sigma philosophy. They are also responsible for ensuring that the employees of the lower ranks perform their actions for the system.

What Makes Six Sigma Work

There are several benefits of implementing six sigma in any organization. It will lead to overall growth and customer satisfaction. Some of the benefits are as follows. Increase in customer loyalty is one of the main benefits of employing the system. The company will be able to produce better products which mean that the customers will be back for the same. There is increases shareholder value, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction and an increase in the bottom lime itself. There are a lot of benefits to the supply chain as well. Smaller organizations can also benefit by implementing six sigma. They can introduce some high-level methods like process monitoring and dashboards. The system can also be implemented in stages in various departments. When implemented properly it includes all the people who implement the processes and those who are affected by the changes. By following this systematic approach to understanding and managing processes, the organizations can experience an overall positive change in the way they function.