Lean Six Sigma method is an integrated approach of combining Lean and Six Sigma methods to allow individuals and organisations us the best of both approaches in managing their process improvement agendas.
Six Sigma is both a process improvement approach and also a statistical concept helps define the level of variation that is present in any process. The main objective of Six Sigma as a method is that variation in processes leads to creating opportunities for mistakes; these opportunities for mistakes lead to risks of defects. On the other hand, defects lead to decrease in customer satisfaction and perception. The Six Sigma method aims to reduce the process variation and the opportunities for mistakes, and therefore decrease overall process costs and increases customer satisfaction.
The six sigma piece is about reducing variation in a process performance to an optimum level that is acceptable by the customer. It measures defects in millions opportunities and the six sigma level means that the process operates at 99,99966%.
Lean methodology focuses on removing non value adding activities and improving the flow of the process. Speed, efficiency, uninterrupted flow is at its heart.
Lean Six Sigma DMAIC and roles
The combined Lean Six Sigma approach takes the best of both quality methods to bring best in class Lean Six Sigma combination and toolbox to eth benefit of multiple companies around the world.
Lean Six Sigma uses the classical DMAIC roadmap from six sigma to promote structured improvement to the business. There are five stages of Lean Six Sigma improvement: Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control. Despite the iterative nature of making changes, staring a new phase requires formal approval from the business or project sponsor.
- In a Lean Six Sigma project, there are different roles that form the team.
- Project leader – the Lean Six Sigma expert (certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt or Master Black Belt)
- Project sponsor – the executive level sponsor that supports the project and is the main beneficiary of the lean six sigma project results
- Project team members – in a lean six sigma project typical team members are subject matter experts in the specific area where the lean six sigma project is delivered; ad-hoc team members, advisory members, etc.
- Project manager is an optional role for big lean six sigma projects. This role helps deliver the project plan and solutions.
- Admin support – this is an optional role that supports big and complex lean six sigma project implementations.
Lean Six Sigma and industry applications
Although the Lean Six Sigma as a methodology first appeared in manufacturing, it is used widely across multiple industries around the world already for decades. Its benefits are recognised through applications in call centres, finance and banking, shared services centres, hospitals, education institutions, IT, software development, general operations management.
Lean Six Sigma in manufacturing continues to maintain its absolute top usage and benefits around the world and is the Number 1 methodology for process improvement and process control.
Lean Six Sigma in services in a top methodology for identifying and managing process improvement mainly on transactional processes. Many companies using lean six sigma for process optimisation as a first step, move to automation through RPA technology as a next step for boosting process performance. And while RPA is of great importance for companies, it can only be used on streamlined and optimised processes where lean six sigma is a top choice as a method to deliver this streamlined performance.
Lean Six Sigma Certifications
Whether you wish to become a professional process improvement specialist or build on your existing skillset, lean six sigma certifications bring a boost to professional development. Being a certified lean six sigma professional indicates a well-rounded professional profile of understanding and actually being able to identify lean six sigma projects and lead such projects to successful completion.
Several tips to choose your lean six sigma certification:
- Make an assessment of your current level of lean six sigma knowledge and competence, including previous experience and experience of other project management methods
- Determine which certification level you will pursue – lean more about the different certification levels and related requirements (Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Six Sigma Champion)
- Choose a training option that suits your learning style. You can choose among instructor-led training and self-paced online training. The content of the trainings follow standardised Body of knowledge requirements.
Lean Six Sigma Training
Choosing a suitable Lean Six Sigma training is an important step for your career progress.
By choosing an Instructor-led lean six sigma training you become part of a group of trainees that will go together through the lean six sigma course, learn together, work on case studies, discuss examples and ask and receive feedback with regard to the lean six sigma activities during the course. It is suitable to everyone who enjoys team work, working in groups and group discussions. Both virtual and face to face trainings are possible.
Choosing for an individual self-study online option, you have the opportunity to better plan for your lean six sigma studies and plan for your time commitments. It helps work-life balance and is highly recommended for professionals whose busy agendas do not allow them to set aside a few full days to go through an instructor-led lean six sigma training. You can go through the content at your own pace, take advantage of multiple check point tests after each chapter to check your level of understanding the lean six sigma content, use multiple handouts and self-study materials that will help your learning process.
The option of individual teaching has become quite popular also for lean six sigma courses. You follow an individual training option together with a coach and you have the opportunity to get the coach full attention and dedicated support in that interaction. Learning lean six sigma in this way is extremely successful if you prefer one-to-one interaction.
Whenever you choose for your lean six sigma training, check out for additional mentoring support to enhance your learning, especially if you are working on delivering a lean six sigma project as part of your certification preparation.
Lean Six Sigma DMAIC and roles
Lean Six Sigma and industry applications
Lean Six Sigma Certifications
Lean Six Sigma Training