Six Sigma is a method in which companies utilize facts and statistics in order to improve the company’s overall performance. Along with increased performance, these standards help to increase quality manufacturing and service related items by lowering the process variations below 3.4 defects per million opportunities.

Carl Frederick Gauss initially introduced the theory of Six Sigma as the concept of the normal curve. Later in the 1920’s Walter Shewhart introduced Six Sigma as a measurement of product variation. However, Bill Smith of Motorola ultimately defined the registered trademark term Six Sigma.

By using Six Sigma, companies are able to lower their production costs by reevaluating previous facts and statistics to prevent any defective manufacturing methods, which may be in play. The advantages of Six Sigma clearly define the ways that top-notch quality performances achieve near-perfect results.

Some companies that follow the Six Sigma Philosophy include:

• Polaroid Corporation
• Canon U.S.A., Inc.
• Raytheon Company
• Sony Corporation of America
• Maytag Corporation
• American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
• Dell™ Inc.