Innovation and collaborative, synchronized program management for new programs
Aerospace & Defense
Innovation and collaborative, synchronized program management for new programs
Explore IndustryAutomotive & Transportation
Integration of mechanical, software and electronic systems technologies for vehicle systems
Explore IndustryConsumer Products & Retail
Product innovation through effective management of integrated formulations, packaging and manufacturing processes
Explore IndustryElectronics & Semiconductors
New product development leverages data to improve quality and profitability and reduce time-to-market and costs
Explore IndustryEnergy & Utilities
Supply chain collaboration in design, construction, maintenance and retirement of mission-critical assets
Explore IndustryHeavy Equipment
Construction, mining, and agricultural heavy equipment manufacturers striving for superior performance
Explore IndustryIndustrial Machinery
Integration of manufacturing process planning with design and engineering for today’s machine complexity
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Visibility, compliance and accountability for insurance and financial industries
Explore IndustryMarine
Shipbuilding innovation to sustainably reduce the cost of developing future fleets
Explore IndustryMedia & Telecommunications
Siemens PLM Software, a leader in media and telecommunications software, delivers digital solutions for cutting-edge technology supporting complex products in a rapidly changing market.
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“Personalized product innovation” through digitalization to meet market demands and reduce costs
Explore IndustrySmall & Medium Business
Remove barriers and grow while maintaining your bottom line. We’re democratizing the most robust digital twins for your small and medium businesses.
Explore IndustrySiemens Digital Industries Software Six Sigma in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software Six Sigma in Manufacturing
Six sigma in manufacturing is a process improvement method that helps to minimize waste and produce goods more efficiently. Created in the 1980s by Motorola engineer Bill Smith, six sigma derives its name from standard deviation (typically represented by the Greek letter sigma, σ). The goal of six sigma initiatives is to reduce variation to the point that defects are counted in the parts per million.
Six sigma in manufacturing is often closely associated with lean manufacturing. Lean manufacturing and six sigma initiatives both seek to improve quality and efficiency by eliminating manufacturing defects and waste.
The approach taken in six sigma manufacturing differs from that taken in lean manufacturing. Lean manufacturing uses a five-step process to create continuous improvement:
Six sigma in manufacturing focuses on eliminating variation, which results in reduced costs and greater customer satisfaction. The starting point with six sigma is the customer’s experience, and the methodology is data-driven.
Replacing the five steps of lean manufacturing initiatives, six sigma initiatives involve the following seven steps:
A manufacturing operations management system (MOM) [link to glossary page] incorporates six sigma software and/or the six sigma methodology. Six sigma software may employ the steps outlined above or what has become known as the DMAIC method: define, measure, analyze, improve, control. By ferreting out inefficiencies and improving manufacturing productivity and outcomes, six sigma software provides a well-defined means to closed-loop continuous process improvement.
Additional benefits: