Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology for process improvement originally developed by Motorola in 1986. It aims to reduce defects to 3.4 per million opportunities. General Electric adopted Six Sigma in the 1990s and achieved significant cost savings. The third generation combines Lean techniques with Six Sigma. Companies use the DMAIC framework involving Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control phases. Six Sigma projects have helped many companies realize hundreds of millions of dollars in savings through eliminating waste and reducing defects.