Six Sigma Alternatives.

In past years, there have been many instances and evolutions of quality improvement programs. Scrutiny of the programs will show much similarity and also clear distinctions between such programs and Six Sigma. Similarities include common tools and methods, concepts of continuous improvement, and even analogous steps in the improvement framework. Differences have been articulated as follows:

• Six Sigma speaks the language of business. It specifically addresses the concept of making the business as profitable as possible.
• In Six Sigma, quality is not pursued independently from business goals. Time and resources are not spent improving something that is not a lever for improving customer satisfaction.
• Six Sigma focuses on achieving tangible results.
• Six Sigma does not include specific integration of ISO900 or Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award criteria.
• Six Sigma uses an infrastructure of highly trained employees from many sectors of the company (not just the Quality Department). These employees are typically viewed as internal change agents.
• Six Sigma raises the expectation from 3-sigma performance to 6-sigma. Yet, it does not promote "Zero Defects" which many people dismiss as "impossible."