About Six Sigma - The Symbol...

σ sigma is a letter of the Greek alphabet.

Mathematicians use this symbol to signify standard
deviation, a measure of variation.
Variation: Designates the distribution or spread of
individual outcomes about the average of any process.

© Accelerate Ltd 2005 www.pracc.co.uk

 Six Sigma - The Value...

m
m --Average
Average
m
m

Imagine Stopping
100 men in
Manchester and
asking them their
11ss height

The variation in a process refers to how tightly all the

various outcomes are clustered around the average.
When the outcomes are pretty tightly bunched together -
the curve is steep & the variation is small.

© Accelerate Ltd 2005 www.pracc.co.uk

 Six Sigma - The Value...
m
m

Imagine Stopping
100 people in 11ss
Manchester and
asking them their
height

When the outcomes are spread apart - the curve is relatively flat, & the
variation is large.

© Accelerate Ltd 2005 www.pracc.co.uk

 Six sigma - A Measure...
For a process, the sigma indicates how well that process is performing
against some requirement. The higher the sigma value, the better.
Lean Sigma refers to a process having 6 standard deviations between
the average of the process center and the nearest requirement,
specification limit or service level agreement.
µµ Point of Inflection

Requirement Requirement

11σσ
-∞ +∞
+

-6σ -5σ -4σ -3σ -2σ -1σ +1σ +2σ +3σ +4σ +5σ +6σ
50.00%
308,537 Defects 69.20%
93.32% 66,807 Defects
3.4 Defects
99.99%

© Accelerate Ltd 2005 www.pracc.co.uk

 Six Sigma - The Metrics...

Defects
Defects per unit (DPU)
Total defects per unit (TDU)
Parts per million (PPM)
Defects per million opportunities (DPMO)
Sigma (σ)

Each of these metrics are / may be used at different

levels in the organization to express the performance of
a process in meeting requirements.

© Accelerate Ltd 2005 www.pracc.co.uk

 Six sigma - The Method...

Lean Sigma is a disciplined process of applying business

problem solving tools.

The acronym DMAIC provides the sequence which is

the heart of the Lean Sigma method.
• Define - the business opportunity
• Measure - the process current state
• Analyze - determine root cause
• Improve - eliminate waste and variation
• Control - evidence of sustained results

© Accelerate Ltd 2005 www.pracc.co.uk

 Six Sigma - The Goal...

5 - 6 Sigma
Sweet Fruit
Design for Lean Sigma

Bulk of Fruit
3 - 4 Sigma Process Characterization &
Optimization

Low Hanging Fruit

Basic Tools of Problem Solving
2 - 3 Sigma

Ground Fruit
1 - 2 Sigma Intuition and Logic

© Accelerate Ltd 2005 www.pracc.co.uk

 Lean / Sigma: Business Strategy
Create loyal & satisfied customers - Drive dynamic growth
Why
Every client recommends your business

Linking & aligning the value chain

What
Bottom line results in substantially less time…

Focused & sustained breakthrough process improvements

How
Right Projects, People, Tools and Support

One company focused on creating high value customer solutions

Who
Leadership & Trained Green Belts, Lean Masters

© Accelerate Ltd 2005 www.pracc.co.uk