Lean Six Sigma
Candlefocus EditorThe Lean aspect of Lean Six Sigma employs the use of process mapping, workflow diagrams, and predictive analytics to support cost reductions and increase efficiency. Lean emphasizes the elimination of overproduction, the reduction of wait times, and defect elimination throughout the process.
The Six Sigma aspect of Lean Six Sigma leverages the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) methodology. This methodology focuses on identifying defects within a process and focuses on eliminating them. Six Sigma also looks at processes from a customer/end user point of view to eliminate variation and ensure consistent results.
Lean Six Sigma combines the process improvement philosophies of Lean and Six Sigma to deliver the “one process, one improvement” mantra. This approach breaks the process into smaller and more manageable pieces to identify opportunities for improvement and deliver better, faster services to customers.
Lean Six Sigma seeks to improve both the quality of products and services and reduce costs by eliminating wastes and defects that lead to higher expenditures and decreased efficiency. The process starts by setting quantifiable goals and objectives which are measured and monitored in order to track progress and to ultimately create continual improvement.
The overall approach of Lean Six Sigma enterprises is one of continuous improvement. As such, each employee stays focused on incremental improvements, utilizing ongoing data and feedback from customers to drive actionable solutions. This provides the organization with a way to focus on long-term goals and objectives that drive changes in processes and the implementation of new solutions.
In a Lean Six Sigma organization, everyone is responsible for improving and maintaining process quality and reducing cost. Everyone is aware of the ultimate goal, and mistakes are considered learning opportunities, not just evidence of failure. Lean Six Sigma organizations also rely heavily on data to measure progress, as well as identify patterns or trends that help inform decisions and strategies.
By employing both Lean and Six Sigma philosophies, Lean Six Sigma organizations can dramatically reduce their operational costs, increase their customer satisfaction, and create the highest quality of products and services. As the demand for organizations to reduce waste, eliminate defects, and process improvements increase, companies stand to benefit from the power of Lean Six Sigma.