How do you find Lean Six Sigma projects?

1 Assess your current state

Before you start looking for problems to solve, you need to understand your current situation and performance. You can use various tools and techniques to map your processes, measure your key indicators, and analyze your data. Some examples are value stream mapping, SIPOC diagrams, fishbone diagrams, Pareto charts, and control charts. These tools will help you identify the sources of waste, variation, and defects in your processes, as well as the gaps between your current and desired outcomes.

2 Define your objectives and scope

Once you have a clear picture of your current state, you need to define your improvement objectives and scope. You should align your objectives with your organizational strategy, vision, and customer needs. You should also consider your available resources, budget, and timeline. Your scope should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You can use tools like SMART goals, project charters, and project selection matrices to help you define and prioritize your improvement projects.

3 Validate your problem and solution

After you have selected your potential improvement projects, you need to validate your problem statement and solution hypothesis. You need to make sure that your problem is well-defined, quantified, and validated by data and facts. You also need to test your solution ideas and assumptions before implementing them. You can use tools like problem validation sheets, A3 reports, and PDSA cycles to help you validate your problem and solution.

4 Engage your stakeholders

Finding Lean Six Sigma projects is not only a technical task, but also a social one. You need to engage your stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, from identification to implementation. Your stakeholders include your customers, sponsors, managers, team members, suppliers, and anyone else who is affected by or interested in your project. You need to communicate with them effectively, solicit their feedback, address their concerns, and gain their buy-in and support. You can use tools like stakeholder analysis, RACI matrix, and voice of the customer to help you engage your stakeholders.

5 Review and improve your process

Finding Lean Six Sigma projects is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process. You need to review and improve your project selection process regularly, based on your results, learnings, and feedback. You need to monitor and measure your project outcomes, evaluate your project performance, and identify the lessons learned and best practices. You also need to celebrate your successes, recognize your team, and share your knowledge. You can use tools like balanced scorecards, dashboards, and after action reviews to help you review and improve your process.

Finding Lean Six Sigma projects is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By following these tips and tools, you can find the best opportunities for applying Lean Six Sigma in your organization or industry, and deliver value to your customers and stakeholders.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?