Lean Versus Six Sigma: What's the Controversy? What the Difference?
Many professionals ask "What is Lean?", some ask "What is Six Sigma?", and of course still others ask "What is Lean Six Sigma?" As it turns out, these approaches address similar problem sets but attack them differently. Here is a look at what they are, the difference, the similarities, and the synergies.
The difference between Lean and Six Sigma can be summarized as follows:
Six Sigma = Reduced process variation
Lean = Improved process flow
Let's take a look at each.
What is "Lean"?
In the practice of "Lean", the focus is on breaking down processes to the "bare bone essentials", hence the name "lean". The Lean approach to waste is that "Non-value added is waste". Hence, the proactice of Lean has as its central goal to segregate waste from value in processes, and eliminate the waste and non-value added.
The typical method for practicing Lean is to do the following:
1. Identify Value
2. Define Value Stream
3. Determine Flow
4. Define Pull
5. Improve Process
The focus of Lean is on Process flow. Tools used for the practice of Lean are oriented to visualization, and include tools like Microsoft Visio.
What is Six Sigma?
In the Six Sigma approach, the view on waste is that "Variation is waste".
In practicing Six Sigma, the DMAIC method is used:
1. Define
2. Measure
3. Analyze
4. Improve
5. Control
Six Sigma is a "Problem focused" methodology, and the primary toolset of Six Sigma is Math and Statistics.
The Conflict Between Lean and Six Sigma
There is a "battle" within the Lean and Six Sigma professional communities among many who think their respective way is better and superior. In general, the Six Sigma side claims to be technically superior and that reducing variation gets to the root of the problem. The Lean side argues that basic flowcharting is more often than not all that is needed to produce high impact improvements.
This all has a "territorial" feel about it among consultants and aficionados of each approach or methodology. However, we know that tools are only a means to and end, and that we need to match the tool to the job. Such arguments and territorialism often arise when professionals are attached to the tool, and in essence are a "solution in search of a problem", and want to make sure their solution is chosen more often.
Does the Controversy Matter?
Tough times typically mean LEAN times, and these are tough time economically around the world. It seems that under those conditions, it would be more appropriate to focus on the challenge at hand and use the best tool(s) for the job. The controversy matters little, in my opinion.
Six Sigma and Lean go together hand in hand, although they often are differentiated. Despite any distinctions, the two go very well together and complement one another. For example, it could be a very logical approach to focus on Lean to achieve improved process flow, and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of the process. If more work is needed, Six Sigma could be used to reduce process variation. It seems very logical that they can be effectively deployed together.
(ArticlesBase SC #595677)
Article Tags:
Lean
,six sigma
,lean six sigma
,dmaic
,Reduced Process Variation
,Improved Process Flow
How to Build Lean Muscle Mass
Find out about the best ways to work out and build lean muscle mass. (00:44)
How to Diagnose System Lean Codes
This is an automotive repair tip so that you can learn to diagnose system lean codes. (03:23)
How to Do a Leaning Plank Exercise
Follow along w Chris Freytag as she does the leaning plank, which firms the abs, shoulders, and thighs (01:51)
How to Avoid Trees That Lean in Your Yard
Home improvement expert Danny Lipford shows you how larger trees can make smaller trees lean and he also gives you some ways to prevent that from happening. (01:33)
How to Do Lean Muscle Building Deadlift Variations
Learn how to Do Lean Muscle Building Deadlift Variations in this video. (01:37)
Six Sigma is a business management strategy, originally developed by Motorola that today enjoys wide-spread application in many sectors of industry. Read on to know more ...
Lean Six Sigma is a business improvement methodology which combines (as the name implies) tools from both Lean Enterprise (Manufacturing) and Six Sigma. Lean eliminates the waste in your processes, while Six Sigma ensures quality through the elimination of variation in your processes and also provides a structured data driven structure to solve problems and implement sustainable change into your business.
This report critically considers the use, role and influence of Six Sigma and how this relates to the service environment and service issues. It will explore and question the background, benefits and limitations of such a methodology, to clarify a case study of Six Sigma in healthcare regarding drug doses will be given to demonstrate the processes involved and the results Six Sigma implementation can have. Source: http://www.study-aids.co.uk
Selecting Six Sigma Projects? Focusing effort and resources to deliver maximum benefits to the organisation Choosing the right six sigma projects is key to the success of an organization in terms of delivery of business objectives, business plan strategies and development opportunities for the workforce. However, there is a cost associated to running...
The primary objective of lean is to assist manufacturers who have a desire to improve their company’s operations and become more competitive through the implementation of different lean manufacturing tools and techniques. Lean principles and methods focus on creating a continual improvement culture that engages employees in reducing the intensity of time, materials, and capital necessary for meeting a customer’s needs.
Mistake proofing is a technique for eliminating errors. It is based upon the premise that it is good to do something right the first time; it is even better to make it impossible to do it wrong the first time. The idea is to make it impossible to make a mistake. You may also hear the term, Poka-Yoke or Error Proofing applied to mistake proofing.
Competition is the name of the game in any business, but even more so in the multi-level marketing companies. If you'd like to gain a competitive edge and grab your piece of the market, then you'll have to change your promotional strategy. This may mean that you must desert the...
Want To Build A Successful Home Based Business? Learn The Rules Of The New Economy! Marketing Coach Will Schwartz Gives You The Keys To Building A Real Home Based Business. THE GAME HAS CHANGED. We’re living in a brand new economy. There are new and better ways to do business and you can give yourself a powerful competitive advantage simply by learning some new skills and accessing the cutting edge technologies and systems now available.
With the latest developments in the financial situation in the world, and with the loss of jobs that are affecting everybody in some form or the other, there are thousands of people looking for a better way to make money and the internet is trying to provide a window for those that are technology minded to achieve these goals to certain extent. However, it is also very difficult to understand some of these so called opportunities and to believe them.
The dealing commune is appropriate more and more aware with the purpose of the open wants to patronize and invest in businesses with the purpose of are environmentally answerable. Like a effect of this awareness, agencies comprise been urbanized to assist businesses in acquiring the in demand sea green dealing certification.
I got my hands on this cool universal capital growth application I had to pass it along to you. The best part is there is not cost involved! This trade application and seminar are going to show you exactly what you need to get your trade business in order. You'll be able to set realistic expectations for your income and capital growth as opposed to believing the hype you receive in your spam box every day.
Despite the explosion in the use of digital information, the legal industry continues to consume too much paper. As a profession, far too many lawyers believe that more words are better and that everything must be printed multiple times just in case. In an effort to change this behavior and reduce its carbon footprint, Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) recently implemented a sustainability program developed with Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and Mass Department of Envi
With the millions of distressed properties for sale in the market, most real estate investors cannot help but be attracted to the great investment opportunities they provide. Aside from being considerably cheaper, these foreclosed homes also provide instant equity.
If you must know, buying and selling cheap houses is considered to be one of the most lucrative businesses in the real estate industry. But before you count your earnings, make sure that you are aware of all the risks.
The key is to find the commonalities between what you have done and what is needed at that next step, to shore up your qualification with perhaps some fresh training, and take that step.
Jack Welch, former Chairman of General Electric, said "If you don't have a competitive advantage, don't compete."
Let's face it. Continuing Professional Education is work. And it is required to stay current and to raise your skill level.
There are lots of strategies for preparing for exams, and PMP exam prep is not exception. However, more often than not, the strategy stressed is to learn prepare for the PMP exam by looking at the subject from different angles. However, another approach is to learn by seeing contrasts, or learn by distinction. Here is a look at these 2 similar yet different strategies for PMP exam prep, or preparation for any exam. The best best idea is actually combine both strategies!
There are lots of strategies for preparing for exams, and PMP exam prep is not exception. However, more often than not, the strategy stressed is to learn prepare for the PMP exam by looking at the subject from different angles.
Congratulations! You have earned your PMP certification and reached a career milestone. While it is an accomplishment worth celebrating, after a short time, the question becomes "What's next?"
Many of us PMPs struggle with just how to earn our required 60 PMP PDUs (Professional Development Units) every 3 years. I will not repeat the strategies for personal PDU management as listed in prior articles by me - see Earning PDUs and Maintaining PMP PgMP Status Is Easy and 6 Things to Consider in Your PDU Planning - and others, but I will talk a bit about aligning your current career strategy with your PMP PDU strategy.
Project management training comes in many types, sizes, and flavors. Project Management is very popular topic at the organizational as well as professional level today, and thus project management training has become ubiquitous to support both the organizations and individual professionals. Choosing the right project management training among the plethora of options has thus become a challenge - and project - unto itself!
0