What does "defect rate" measure in Six Sigma?

Defect rate is a critical metric in Six Sigma that quantifies the quality of a process by measuring the percentage of defects present in a given output. This percentage indicates how well a process is performing in relation to its target quality standards. A lower defect rate signifies a higher quality level, which aligns with the Six Sigma goal of reducing variability and improving process performance.

By focusing on the percentage of defects, organizations can identify areas that require improvement and implement strategies to enhance quality. This measurement not only helps in tracking process efficacy but also supports continuous improvement efforts by providing tangible data that can lead to better decision-making.

The other choices, while relevant in their contexts, do not specifically define defect rate. Customer complaints can reflect dissatisfaction but do not measure defects directly. Time taken to fix issues ties into operational efficiency but is not an indicator of defect rate itself. Employee satisfaction levels are important for overall workplace health but unrelated to the measurement of defects in processes.