Written by: Christabelle Dsouza
Reviewed by: Dr. Anita Stalin (PhD)
LeanSixSigma
is a managerial approach, focussed on a team, that seeks to improve the team’s performance by reducing waste and shortcomings of physical resources, effort, time and talent.
The lean six sigma process combines the tools and methods of six sigma along with lean manufacturing philosophy.
The history of LeanSixSigma
The lean methodology was established by Toyota, the Japanese automobile manufacturer in the 1940s, with the aim of removing activities from the process that did not add value.
Six Sigma was established in 1980s by an American Engineer who was inspired by Japan’s Kaizen’s model. The six-sigma methodology was created to understand defects in the production process, and to solve this by streamlining variability.
The concept of lean six sigma
Lean six sigma management focuses on eliminating 8 kinds of waste, called DOWNTIME, i.e., defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilized talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and extra-processing.
Any method, tool or measure that can help identify and reduce waste is therefore referred to as lean six sigma.
Learning the lean six sigma skills comprises of ‘belts’ which denote ascending expertise.
Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt & Black Belt Master
The bottom line
Consistent, measurable improvement is the need of the hour in any process in any industry. Lean six sigma tools and practice helps you achieve just that. The combined teachings of lean six sigma offers the best of both worlds, leading to a streamlined, efficient, operating system; which is ultimately results in reduced costs, increased employee and customer satisfaction and increased productivity.