What It Is

Regulation (EU) 2016/679, known as GDPR, is a directly applicable EU regulation protecting natural persons' personal data. Its primary purpose is harmonizing data privacy across the EU with global reach via extraterritorial scope. It employs a risk-based, accountability-driven approach emphasizing lawful processing and individual rights.

Key Components

• Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
• Enhanced data subject rights: access, rectification, erasure (right to be forgotten), portability, objection.
• Obligations like Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Records of Processing Activities (ROPA), mandatory Data Protection Officers (DPOs) for high-risk cases.
• Enforcement via fines up to €20M or 4% global turnover; compliance demonstrated, not assumed.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for any processing EU data subjects' info, avoiding severe penalties. Enhances risk management, builds stakeholder trust, boosts reputation as privacy leader. Drives global compliance, inspires standards like LGPD/CCPA.

Implementation Overview

Involves gap analysis, policy updates, training, DPIAs, DPO appointment. Applies universally to controllers/processors handling EU data, regardless of size/location. No certification but ongoing audits by supervisory authorities; two-year transition highlighted complexity for SMEs.

What It Is

Six Sigma is a de facto industry framework and methodology for process improvement, anchored by ISO 13053:2011. It focuses on reducing process variation, preventing defects, and achieving data-driven quality levels targeting 3.4 defects per million opportunities (DPMO). The core approach uses structured cycles like DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) for existing processes and DMADV for new designs.

Key Components

• DMAIC/DMADV methodologies with phase-specific deliverables and tollgates.
• **Belt hierarchyChampions, Master Black Belts, Black Belts, Green Belts.
• Statistical tools: MSA, SPC, DOE, FMEA; metrics like sigma levels, Cp/Cpk.
• Governance model linking projects to strategy; no single certification but bodies like ASQ.

Why Organizations Use It

• Drives financial savings (e.g., billions at Motorola/GE).
• Enhances customer satisfaction, risk reduction, compliance readiness.
• Builds competitive edge via predictable operations; voluntary but strategic.

Implementation Overview

• Phased rollout: sponsorship, training, project portfolio, execution, sustainment.
• Applies to all sizes/industries; requires training, change management, audits.
• Certification via ASQ/IASSC; ongoing via SPC/control plans. (178 words)