What term describes techniques that aim for less than 3.4 errors per 1,000,000 manufacturing steps?

The term that describes techniques aiming for less than 3.4 errors per 1,000,000 manufacturing steps is Six Sigma. This quality management methodology focuses on improving process quality by identifying and removing the causes of defects and minimizing variability in manufacturing and business processes. The statistical measure of Six Sigma refers to the idea that, with six standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limit, the likelihood of errors is extremely low, specifically less than 3.4 defects per million opportunities.

In contrast, Total Quality Management is a broader management approach that seeks to improve the quality of products and services through ongoing refinements in response to continuous feedback. Just-in-time is a production strategy that strives to improve a business's return on investment by reducing in-process inventory and associated carrying costs. Lean manufacturing focuses on minimizing waste within manufacturing systems while simultaneously maximizing productivity. While all of these concepts contribute to improved quality and efficiency, it is Six Sigma that specifically employs this rigorous quantitative goal for error reduction.