Six Sigma is a rigorous, data-centered approach to process improvement with the goal of delivering "virtual perfection" — meaning consistently high quality. Motorola first introduced Six Sigma in 1979 and companies such as General Electric and Allied Signal use it to dramatically reduce errors by trying to prevent them from happening in the first place. Quest Diagnostics began its Six Sigma journey in 2000 and is committed to being a Six Sigma Company in the eyes of its employees, customers and shareholders.