Lean, quality improvement & root cause · Specialist

Defects per million opportunities

Also called: DPMO

ELI5

A Six Sigma measure of defects relative to one million opportunities.

Used in conversation

“Keep defects per million opportunities on the dashboard, but show the definition and reporting period beside it.”

Pitch context

You will see “Defects per million opportunities” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches lean, quality improvement & root cause.

Why it matters: In lean, quality improvement & root cause, the definition can change ownership, capacity, process, cost or safety decisions.

Sources & evidence · 3

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.