Difference between Lean & Six Sigma
Dr. C. Sowmya Dhanalakshmi
Professor and HOD - ACADEMICS, Department of Mechanical Engineering, at SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore
Six Sigma
Six Sigma was developed with a very specific goal: reduce variation and defect rates in production processes through statistical analysis. To do this, Six Sigma uses one of two, 5-step approaches – either the?DMAIC / DMADV method. Both methods have their distinct uses. DMAIC stand s for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. This process involves identifying the problem you’re trying to solve, taking stock of your current processes, identifying and implementing a solution, and maintaining that solution in the future. This is perfectly suited for SC performance issues or when only adjustments to the process are needed, not an entirely new function.
?The Lean Method
The Lean method is entirely focused on eliminating waste, providing maximum value to customers with the lowest possible amount of investment. The term Lean was first used to describe the Toyota Business System in the 1980’s, a business philosophy that helped the company run at maximum efficiency. It involves every tier of an organization, helping guide new processes and drive the allocation of resources. The primary difference between Lean and Six Sigma is that Lean is less focused entirely on manufacturing, but often shapes every facet of a business.
LSCM combines these two approaches, which creates a powerful toolkit for addressing waste reduction. As companies seek to understand where they may have wasteful practices in place, the DMAIC method provides an excellent road map for identifying and solving the problems they face. This synergy between methodologies functions primarily to help eliminate the?wastes, removing anything from a process – whether its material, time, or effort – that doesn’t add value. The forms of waste are:
·????? Defects?– Products that don’t meet quality standards
·??????Overproduction?– Exceeding demand or producing more than was ordered
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·??????Waiting?– Process bottle-necks and downtime
·??????Non-Utilized Talent?– Ineffectively using or misallocating human resources
·??????Transportation?– Inefficient shipping methods
·??????Inventory?– Holding on to a surplus of product or raw material
·??????Motion?– Unnecessary moving of product, material, or people
·??????Extra Processing?– Doing more work than is needed
?The Difference Between Lean Six Sigma and Six Sigma
Lean Six Sigma is a perfect fit for companies looking to streamline their processes and offer as much value to the customer as possible. The phased thinking and clear roadmap provided by the DMAIC method can be a valuable tool when applied to any business case, not just defect prevention as in traditional Six Sigma methodology.