ISO 17258-2015 PDF

Full title and description

Statistical methods — Six Sigma — Basic criteria underlying benchmarking for Six Sigma in organisations. This International Standard defines a methodology for establishing levels of quality, performance and productivity and for performing benchmarking activities consistent with Six Sigma principles, applicable across industries, services and administration.

Abstract

ISO 17258:2015 describes a methodology for establishing the level of quality, performance and productivity of processes, products and services according to Six Sigma principles. It focuses on criteria, measures, the measurement process and the comparison process, and can be used to select and prioritise improvement projects or to initiate a Six Sigma programme.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed in systematic review 2021, remains current).
• Publication date: 7 January 2015 (Edition 1, 2015-01).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 03.120.30 (Quantitative methods; statistical methods).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2015).
• Number of pages: 37.

Scope

Specifies basic criteria and a methodological framework for benchmarking activities that support Six Sigma programmes. The standard is intended for use in all sectors (manufacturing, services, administration, etc.) and for organisations at any stage of a quality improvement programme — whether already practising Six Sigma/Lean approaches or starting such initiatives. It emphasises selection of improvement projects, measurement criteria and the comparison process for identifying good benchmarking practice.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of benchmarking criteria consistent with Six Sigma objectives (quality, performance, productivity).
• Specification of measures and measurement processes to produce comparable data across organisations and processes.
• Guidance on the comparison process and interpretation of benchmarking results to identify best practices.
• Use of benchmarking results to select and prioritise Six Sigma improvement projects.
• Alignment with broader Six Sigma quantitative methods and complementary standards (e.g., DMAIC methods and competence definitions).

Typical use and users

Used by quality and process improvement managers, Six Sigma Black/Green Belt teams, organisational improvement leaders, consultants and benchmarking practitioners who need a structured, statistical approach to compare processes and identify project opportunities across functional areas and sectors. The standard is also useful for organisations initiating Six Sigma programmes to help select candidate projects.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside other Six Sigma and process-improvement standards such as ISO 13053 (Quantitative methods in process improvement — Six Sigma — DMAIC methodology and tools) and ISO 18404 (competencies for personnel and organisations for Lean and Six Sigma). ISO 17258 is developed under the ISO/TC 69/SC 7 committee that produces related Six Sigma quantitative-method standards.

Keywords

Six Sigma; benchmarking; benchmarking criteria; measurement process; performance indicators; process improvement; DMAIC; quality management; statistical methods; ISO/TC 69.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 17258:2015 is an International Standard that defines basic criteria and a methodological framework for benchmarking in the context of Six Sigma-based process improvement.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the selection of benchmarking criteria, specification of measures and measurement processes, and the comparison process to identify good practices and to prioritise Six Sigma improvement projects.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Quality managers, Six Sigma practitioners (Black/Green Belts), improvement teams, consultants and organisations seeking a statistical approach to benchmarking and project selection.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was published on 7 January 2015 (Edition 1) and was reviewed and confirmed in 2021; it remains current (confirmed).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of ISO documents addressing quantitative methods and Six Sigma (work of ISO/TC 69/SC 7) and is commonly used together with ISO 13053 (DMAIC methodology and tools) and ISO 18404 (competencies for Lean & Six Sigma).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Six Sigma, benchmarking, measurement, performance, productivity, DMAIC, process improvement, statistical methods.