Six Sigma: Results in an Industrial Application

Six Sigma is a disciplined and rigorous approach to improve business performance as defined by customer satisfaction. Its goal is to increase profits by eliminating variability, defects and waste. The methodology is an implementation of a measurement system to collect data, analyse results and integrate the information into industrial processes. Six Sigma assures a strong reduction of variability, defined as 3.4 defects per million opportunities [1]. In fact, it utilises statistical tools and techniques that measure the process capability and the results of productive activities. Basically the Six Sigma problem solving method has five main phases: define, measure, analyse, improve and control (DMAIC). Six Sigma could be used as a new design for products and services (DFSS) tool. The Six Sigma project, outlined in this paper, underlines the different shades of improvement. The project company is a leader in the pharmaceutical sector. It knows and applies a particular version of the Six Sigma: the Lean Sigma, that merges the most important Six Sigma principles with the features and benefits of a lean organisation. This Six Sigma project focuses on the revision of a process to realise a product, the JNS. This process review takes into account the increased quality standards for the introduction of the product on the Japanese market.