The Skinny On Lean Six Sigma

Companies struggle to maintain quality and production while controlling business costs. Numerous factors can adversely affect quality and production. Getting to the root of the problem is essential to correcting it. Lean Six Sigma provides the necessary tools to determine the factors that hinder a company’s ability to control costs while delivering a quality product or service.

This version of Six Sigma is popular; however, its basic principle is unique. Essentially, the focus is on speed. While many business professionals initially scoff at the idea that increasing speed results in higher quality, they eventually conclude this principle has merit.

Lean Six Sigma reduces waste and duplication in processes. Many companies have overlapping methodologies in place that waste resources and time. Reducing waste and duplication increases the speed in which processes are completed. Speed does not necessarily result in rushing to achieve a goal. Once processes are streamlined and duplication is eliminated, the flow of work increases as does the quality of work.

Lean Six Sigma Principles

• Market

Without customers, a company will not survive. This principle focuses on the importance of customers. This entails making all employees aware without customers there is no company. While providing excellent customer service is important, this principle focuses on all areas of the customer experience. This includes the delivery of quality products or services. In addition, it includes providing products and services in a timely manner.

• Flexibility

Change is necessary for improvement. If a process is simplified and easy to work with, it will reduce waste and make the process faster without sacrificing quality. In order to improve processes, flexibility is required in addition to a willingness to accept and implement changes.

• Focus

This is an important principle. Focus must be directed toward problems or processes that cause inefficiency. Employees and company executives must maintain focus on the areas that are causing problems. It is crucial to maintain the focus on issues until the issues are resolved. Too many times, the ball is dropped due to business distractions. Focus must be maintained until a satisfactory result is achieved.

• Velocity

If a process contains too many tasks and steps, then the process is likely to be slow and arduous. It is important that the output of the process equals the work that is required. Once a process is simplified, the output is achieved in less time. In addition, the resources needed to achieve the output are reduced significantly.

• Complexity

Processes should be simple. If a process is complex, it is likely inefficient and contains elements that are duplicated or not needed at all. The complexity of a process will determine the velocity of the process. Companies are realizing simple is better. In the past, companies believed the more complexity in a process ensured quality results.

All of the principles are achieved with the Six Sigma Toolbox. Lean Six Sigma tools provide the resources to evaluate processes to determine whether the processes are efficient and to pinpoint problems. The tools are invaluable as long as people are trained to use them.

The Lean Six Sigma Toolbox Includes The Following Tool Sets:

Define and Prioritize Issues

• Affinity Diagram
• Pareto Chart (Manufacturing or Service)
• Flow Chart
• Priority Calculator
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis

Process Improvement

• Brainstorming
• System Diagrams
• Error/Proofing
• Corrective Action Table

Measuring and Collecting Data

• Measurement Analysis
• Trend Charts
• Statistical Process Control
• Conversion Table

Data Analysis and Root Cause Identification

• Fishbone Diagrams
• Histograms
• 5-Why and Regression Analysis

While there are many tools, knowing how and when to use them is critical. There is a growing demand for certified Lean Six Sigma professionals. Many companies hire certified consultants to train and educate key staff members. In addition, consultants are hired or contracted to manage and direct Six Sigma projects.

Executives or company owners may not be certified in Six Sigma, however, many of them invest the time in learning the techniques and principles. They are familiar with the benefits and are compelled to make an investment by hiring consultants and dedicating the resources such as trained staff to achieve the goal of profitability.

Business professionals have discovered Lean Six Sigma certification can improve their career opportunities. Whether they want to move up within their company or develop a career as a certified Six Sigma consultant, the training can catapult them to success.

Six Sigma training programs are available in local communities. Many programs are offered through adult continuing education programs or at local colleges. However, for people with busy work schedules, an online program may be the best choice. Six Sigma also offers on site training sponsored through employers. Employers will offer employee enrichment opportunities which is voluntary. The Employer may subsidize or offer reimbursement of a portion of the cost once certification is obtained.

Six Sigma offers several online courses in the lean program. Completing the courses will lead to certification as a Lean Agent. The courses educate and train students in the Six Sigma principles and methodologies. Students learn how and when to use each tool in the toolbox. Six Sigma has many levels such as Green Belt or Black Belt.

The lean program has a master level program. Once the agent level program is completed, students can advance to the master level with additional courses and training. These courses can be taken through Six Sigma or an authorized Six Sigma training provider such as colleges or universities. Many higher education institutions offer Six Sigma courses and certification.

The popularity of the lean program is no surprise given the current economic climate. Companies are turning to the lean program to gain the tools to streamline procedures and processes. Companies must find ways to deliver their products and services quickly and efficiently. The lean program can increase speed, efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining or improving quality. This makes it the most attractive business tool on the market. In addition, those who are trained and certified in Lean Six Sigma are in high demand. This program garners exceptional results and is effective in any business sector.

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