In a Six Sigma process, what is the defect rate per million opportunities?

In a Six Sigma process, the defect rate is defined as 3.4 defects per million opportunities. This figure is pivotal because it represents the target level of quality that organizations strive for when implementing Six Sigma methodologies. Achieving a Six Sigma level means that out of one million opportunities for defects, only 3.4 will occur, which equates to a very high level of excellence in process performance.

This benchmark is based on statistical calculations that outline the level of variation acceptable in a process, where the aim is to minimize defects as much as possible. A defect is considered any instance where a product or service fails to meet customer specifications or requirements, and the goal in any Six Sigma project is to remove these defects to enhance customer satisfaction and process efficiency.

While other options present various defect rates, they do not align with this Six Sigma target of 3.4 defects per million opportunities, which is crucial for understanding how organizations measure and evaluate their quality performance under Six Sigma standards.