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The lean manufacturing system originated in Toyota Motor Corporation’s vehicle production system (TPS). TPS is a specific way of making things, and it has since become well-known and studied worldwide. Two of the basic principles of TPS are:

 

  1. Jidoka (loosely translated as “automation with a human touch”)
    In the case of a problem, equipment immediately stops, preventing the production of defective products.
  2. Just-in-Time (JIT)
    In a continuous flow, each step of the process produces exactly what is needed for the next one.

 

Based on these two philosophies, TPS can produce high-quality vehicles that meet the requirements of every customer, one at a time, every time.

To understand the differences between Lean and Six Sigma, you need to redefine “Quality” in terms of value rather than defects. Similar to Lean, the process of achieving Six Sigma quality involves searching for ways to reduce Muda (a Japanese word meaning “waste”). It is worth noting that Six Sigma is implemented based on proven quality principles and techniques. It is a way of working toward practically error-free business performance that relies on  methods that have been around for decades. Specifically, companies with Six Sigma implementation have taken a handful of proven methods to train a small team of in-house technical leaders, known as Six Sigma Black Belts, to a high level of proficiency in the application of these techniques.

While the methods Black Belts use might include highly-advanced computer technology, most of the tools are applied within a simple performance improvement model known as Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC). This means that you can implement these techniques without the need for Black Belt skills.

A reminder that Six Sigma disciplines will help you with Lean, and help you continue to improve. Likewise, if you discover Lean is not working due to excessive variability of unknown problems, you can use Six Sigma to identify and address the root causes of those issues. There is no need to choose between Six Sigma and Lean—the solution is Lean Six Sigma.

 

 

Similarities Between Lean and Six Sigma

 

Six Sigma is a general approach for reducing Muda in any environment. It involves the collection of simple and sophisticated methods for analyzing complex cause-and-effect relationships, with the aim of discovering opportunities for improvement.

Lean offers a proven, pre-packaged set of solutions for Muda. Six Sigma can apply to the problems Lean addresses, yet it also strives to identify and solve other problems. There is a great deal of overlap between the two disciplines; however, they approach their common purpose from slightly different angles:

  • Lean concentrates on waste reduction, whereas Six Sigma highlights variation reduction.
  • Lean reaches its goals by using fewer technical tools such as kaizen, workplace organization, and visual controls, whereas Six Sigma generally uses statistical data analysis, experimental design, and hypothesis testing.

Ultimately, the two approaches are complementary. Here are some examples of the synergy between the two:

 

Lean

Six Sigma

Establishment of methodology for improvement

Policy deployment methodology

Focus on customer value stream

Customer requirements measurement, cross-functional management

Project-based implementation

Project management skills

Understanding of current conditions

Knowledge discovery

Product and production data collection

Data collection and analysis tools

Current layout and flow documentation

Process mapping and flowcharting

Process timing

Data collection tools and techniques, SPC

Process capacity and Takt time calculations

Data collection tools and techniques, SPC

Creation of standard work combination sheets

Process control planning

Evaluation of all options

Cause-and-effect, FMEA

New layout planning

Team skills, project management

Testing to confirm improvement

Statistical methods for a valid comparison, SPC

Reduction of cycle times, product defects, change over time,    equipment failures, etc.

7M tools, 7 QC tools, DOE

 

 

Integrating Lean and Six Sigma into Lean Six Sigma

 

Even though Lean and Six Sigma have historically been taught as separate disciplines, a blend of these approaches known as Lean Six Sigma gives organizations the best shot at applying the right mindset, tactics, and tools to solve problems. Lean Six Sigma is based on a systematic approach and a combined toolkit to help your organization build its problem-solving muscles in a problem-solving culture. This means that, when you’re building new muscles, you’re also building new daily habits..

 

 

Benefits of Using Lean Six Sigma

 

Organizations face challenges on a daily basis, from rising costs to increasing waste. Implementing Lean Six Sigma techniques can provide a competitive advantage in the following methods:

Lean Six Sigma is a process improvement methodology that integrates the benefits of both Lean and Six Sigma techniques to help organizations streamline processes, reduce waste, and increase value. The disadvantages of these techniques are that they can be complex, and they often require a significant amount of training. However, you can achieve considerable benefits by using this strategy.

 

Implements

Benefits

Streamline processes

Improved customer experience and increased loyalty

Develop more efficient process flows

Higher bottom-line results

Switch from defect detection to defect prevention

Reduced costs and waste

Decrease lead times

Increased capacity and profitability

Standardize processes to promote organizational “nimbleness”

Greater ability to pivot to everyday challenges

Engage employees in the effort

Improved confidence and accelerated people development

 

 

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