What is the primary goal of Six Sigma methodology?

The primary goal of Six Sigma methodology is to eliminate defects in processes. Six Sigma is a data-driven approach that focuses on improving quality by identifying and removing the causes of errors and minimizing variability in manufacturing and business processes. The core premise is to achieve near perfection in performance by limiting defects to fewer than 3.4 defects per million opportunities. This emphasis on defect reduction leads to improved efficiency, better quality, and ultimately, higher customer satisfaction.

While reducing production costs, increasing employee satisfaction, and enhancing product features can be beneficial outcomes of implementing Six Sigma practices, they are not the primary goal. The methodology is fundamentally about process improvement and achieving consistent quality, which serves as the foundation for any other benefits that may arise from its application. Hence, eliminating defects is central to the effectiveness of the Six Sigma approach and the reason it is so highly valued in various industries.