Lean Six Sigma combines two methodologies, lean six sigma, to help accelerate specific processes so that organizations can solve problems faster and reduce waste, while creating more value for customers. It combines the waste-reducing mentality of the Lean methodology with the defect and variance reduction focus of Six Sigma. Together, Lean Six Sigma creates a powerful methodology for keeping businesses ahead of schedule and under budget, enabling organizations to create processes that support the organization and its employees, while saving money, adding value, and improving productivity.
The main focus of lean certification online is to reduce waste by minimizing variability in business processes and creating a continuous flow between each step. The methodology categorizes eight types of waste: defects, overproduction, waiting, nonutilized talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and extra-processing. Once your organization reduces these types of waste, you can solve problems faster, reduce process inefficiencies, and boost productivity. According to Purdue University, the five main principles of Lean Six Sigma are:
- Work for the customer: Ensure any changes you implement will benefit the customer and will offer the highest standard of quality according to market demands.
- Find your problem and focus on it: Avoid getting distracted by other issues while fixing processes in the organization. Determine the problem to address, stay focused on that area of business, and turn to other issues once you’ve finished fixing the main problem.
- Remove variations and bottlenecks: Optimize processes by finding ways to decrease defects. Streamlining your processes will help improve efficiency and quality.
- Communicate clearly and train team members: Implementing Lean Six Sigma can create a sense of upheaval in the company. Ensure everyone is trained and prepared to implement Lean Six Sigma to reduce the risk of project failure.
- Be flexible and responsible: As you embark on Lean Six Sigma, you’ll likely need to refine your approach and pivot your strategy. It doesn’t make sense to cling to a failing strategy, so stay agile and flexible during the process if you want the best outcome.
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