ABSTRACT
The first step in the Six Sigma roadmap is the identification of core or primary processes and key customers. As a rule of thumb, most companies have four to eight really high-level, essential core processes that represent the backbone of how the company functions. Six Sigma uses “projects” to make improvements and these projects can be located in any of the core processes, or support processes, or even external to the company. One of the key teachings of Six Sigma is the concept of sigma levels which, in a nutshell, refer to the quality level of the product produced, or service delivered. Quality is measured and tracked as defects per million opportunities. The real power of Six Sigma lies in its disciplined structure and use of statistical tools, techniques, and methods. One of the features that Six Sigma brings to the improvement table is how to determine defect opportunities.
