iSixSigma performs an annual global survey of those working in the field of Six Sigma. The data is always interesting and always relevant. To review a webcast presentation of this year’s survey, follow this link.

For me it is always interesting to explore the differences (and sometimes similarities) between industries, global regions, Six Sigma role/function, and education background.

Six Sigma stands at a crossroads. It’s the same crossroads that many other industries have navigated. Do you remember when computers entered the mainstream of business?

Only twenty-or-so years ago, all business computing capability resided in the hands of programming and IT specialists. If you needed any computational or data power to perform your business function, you were referred to the computer department. They queued your request and later dispensed the results—a report, an analysis, a data query. The methods and tools of their craft remained mysterious to most. Yet their expertise in the arcane enabled the critical functions of business. (more…)