Lean Six Sigma is the approach that takes the best of each system and integrates them into one.Ĭharacteristics of the Lean Six Sigma approach include: Or your business may choose to combine the two. On the other hand, an organization that wants slightly more flexibility, without the emphasis on data and statistics, may prefer the lean approach. Instead, your organization should evaluate its own goals and direction, then choose a method that is most aligned with its strategy and values.Īn organization that is data-driven and committed to using quantitative approaches in business may prefer the Six Sigma approach. There is not necessarily one “correct” method for every situation. Choosing the Right Process Improvement Method The cycle is then repeated continuously, with the result that business processes gradually improve and waste is gradually reduced over time.Īlthough the outcomes of both lean and Six Sigma may overlap to a certain extent, they do have different effects on the organization and their outcomes will also differ to a certain extent. Measuring the effectiveness of those processes.Lean, however, aims at waste reduction through processes such as the build-measure-learn cycle. Six Sigma, like the lean methodology, is designed to achieve certain business outcomes, such as increased financial returns and improved customer value. The primary aim of Six Sigma, as mentioned, is to reduce defects, thereby improving quality, profits, products, processes, and customer experiences. The two methods, however, differ in their approach. Lean and Six Sigma are both designed to continuously improve processes and business outcomes. It is not, however, the only process and performance improvement methodology. Although it may not be perfect, Six Sigma generally achieves positive outcomes whenever it is applied. Through methods such as these, Six Sigma aims to improve quality management and control across the organization. DMADV, a five-phase method aimed at creating new product or process designs.DMAIC, a five-phase methodology aimed at improving projects.Six Sigma has two frameworks that are frequently used:
A commitment to statistical and data driven methods should be made by everyone within the organization.Both manufacturing and business processes can be defined, measured, analyzed, and improved.Stability and predictability in business processes is essential to organizational effectiveness.This approach has several underlying assumptions: Six Sigma is a business methodology that aims to achieve these results through the application of statistical and data-driven methods. The term “ Six Sigma” originated within statistical quality control an refers to manufacturing output with extremely low levels of defects – lower than 3.4 per million opportunities. The concept originated from a sigma rating, which indicates the number of defect-free products developed in a manufacturing process.īelow, we will examine this definition and the Six Sigma methodology in more detail. A Six Sigma definition is closely related to statistical modeling of manufacturing processes.