What is Lean Six Sigma?
Lean Six Sigma is a process improvement method that combines lean techniques with Six Sigma's focus on data-driven decisions.
Lean Six Sigma has been used in industries as diverse as healthcare, manufacturing, and government to increase productivity while reducing costs. It has also helped organizations with defects, lead times and to reduce unnecessary activities.
A Lean Six Sigma project begins by collecting data about an organization's processes to identify the processes that are most detrimental to performance. The team then applies specific lean or Six Sigma tools to solve those processes, such as eliminating bottlenecks or improving efficiency through better product or service design. The team then monitors how these changes affect key performance metrics, such as quality or cost.
Lean Six Sigma defined by theory and practice
Lean Six Sigma is mainly used by large organizations with a lot of resources and a complex process to improve their efficiency. The theory behind this is simple: if you can find the waste in your process, you can get rid of it and maximize the value of your product or service.
Thus, LSS is a powerful process improvement method used by major companies and organizations around the world including: General Electric, Toyota, NASA, Boeing, Dell and many more. If you're looking for a way to make your organization more efficient and improve service to your customers, Lean Six Sigma is what you need.
Why use Lean Six Sigma?
Lean Six Sigma can be applied to any type of business or organization as it is easy to understand for people at all levels in their business. It can be used for small scale projects or large scale projects that can affect an entire organization.
So, while this methodology may sound too theoretical or complicated for those with no background in statistics, it can be simplified and applied to a wide range of industries.
Benefits of Lean Six Sigma for your business
The Lean Six Sigma methodology consists of several phases and I will now explain 3 of them: Define, Measure and Improve. (see image for DMAIC –> Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control ) The first phase is to fully define the problem so that all participants understand it. The second stage is measuring the current performance of the process. This helps to objectively identify opportunities for improvement. Finally, the third phase is to make changes that will lead to an improvement in performance at a minimal cost.
The goal of Lean Six Sigma is not only to realize cost savings or reduce waste, but also to increase customer satisfaction through higher quality and shorter delivery times.
Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques
For further in-depth knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, it is better to consult the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or eventually even the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Following a training program. But the following points are some techniques and tools that can be used to apply LSS:
- Reducing the number of words used in a sentence, paragraph, or document. The goal is to make every word count and eliminate unnecessary words.
- Eliminating jargon or acronyms that are irrelevant
- Use numbers to substantiate claims where appropriate
Learn more about Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Green Belt or Black Belt
Please contact Contact us if, for example, you have questions about LSS or 1 of the modules such as the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Green Belt of Black Belt. You can also find more information about the Lean Six Sigma certification at the provider, that's Peoplecert.
The author is an experienced trainer and consultant in the field of Process Management / Quality and Safety: Trainer for ISO, CISM, CISA, Lean Six Sigma.
