What is Lean Six Sigma?

• In it’s most basic form, Lean is used to improve process flow by eliminating waste

  • The item below is a value stream map, which is a tool that we will get to in more detail later.  But, it is used to demonstrate how the overall system of works together to create an item.

  • In this case when I use the term system, I am not speaking just of the IT components or the machinery but of everything that could possibly be involved in getting an item from the beginning of a process to the end.  

  • This is foundation of systems thinking

• Six Sigma is used to improve process outputs by eliminating defects.  The graphic to the right shows an example of how reducing the number of defects in a product can help meet customer expectations.  The line to the right indicates Customer specifications, anything beyond that is unacceptable, using the tools and techniques provided by Six Sigma, our goal is to tighten our curve and reduce the number of defects to all fall within customer expectations.  As shown by the Green line.

• So, again, what are lean and Six Sigma?

  • They are two complementary toolsets, used together to improve processes.