April 8th, 2022

Advantages of the Six Sigma method

Learn how to implement the Six Sigma methodology and improve processes in your organization.

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Last update: June 16th, 2025

Six Sigma – implementation motives

Six Sigma, a concept introduced in the mid-1980s by Bill Smith and Bob Galvin, is all about continuous business improvement. The purpose of “Six Sigma” is to prevent and eliminate nonconformities and various types of problems in processes within an organization. The primary goal of Six Sigma is to identify weaknesses in processes and in the resulting products quickly enough, and to address those weaknesses on an ongoing basis, even before a defect or failure occurs. This method is applicable in various types of enterprises. It can be successfully used in both manufacturing and service processes.

Six Sigma Implementation

As a general rule, the application of Six Sigma concepts is an ongoing, months-long process during which many activities are carried out. The method is also based on an approach using the five-step goal achievement process (DMAIC). The extension of the acronym DMAIC is the first letters of each phase in this model i. e.: Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control.

DMAIC Model

DMAIC is a basic tool used to conduct projects in accordance with Six Sigma methodology. The DMAIC model includes 5 phases, which have specific tasks assigned to them.

The first phase – defining, in this case refers to the stage where priorities, constraints, and possible issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve the goals are identified and determined.
The measurement phase, refers to activities during which key information related to what we are actually going to measure is collected. The current state of the process is examined (e.g. its efficiency) and the scale of the problem is determined. At this stage one should also present specific data and numbers. Graphical tools – charts and diagrams – are often used then.
The next phase is the Analyse phase. The analysis can be statistical or qualitative. It aims to identify and confirm the root causes of the problems.
The Improve phase, introduces significant solutions to fix the problems analyzed earlier.
The last phase is the Control phase. During this phase the results obtained in the previous phase are verified and monitored.

Six Sigma – the benefits of using the concept for organizations

Using the Six Sigma method has many benefits. Not only will you be able to effectively catch and identify errors before they occur. This concept also allows you to comprehensively examine and optimize all processes within your organization. The Six Sigma concept also enables the company to grow effectively by reducing potential costs and losses due to customer dissatisfaction, among other things.

The discussed method may be successfully applied in many enterprises of different business profiles. However, it works especially well in mature and efficiently functioning organizations which pay attention to process improvement. What speaks in favor of the Six Sigma concept, above all, is its reliability and versatility. The reliance on data, as well as detailed analysis of facts, makes this method possible to effectively optimize any process.

Take part in the training!

Having Six Sigma certified experts in your organization increases its competitiveness.

Those interested in Six Sigma training are welcome to join our training courses. We offer courses for people both beginning their adventure with Six Sigma, as well as those more advanced. We also encourage you to sign up for the innovative Six Sigma Green Belt training that prepares you to be a Green Belt in your organization.

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Six Sigma Green Belt