Lean Production vs. Lean Six Sigma

Feb 29
13:52

2016

Nirav Patel

Nirav Patel

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There are 2 significant competing campaigns in the marketplace today for continuous renovation: Lean Manufacturing (e.g., the Toyota Way/Toyota Production System) as well as Lean Six Sigma.

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In this article,Lean Production vs. Lean Six Sigma Articles we will certainly contrast as well as contrast the two methods. I have actually been involved in applying both methods and also remain to show both techniques.

Let's think about the Lean Manufacturing or Toyota Way Method. This system is a method to removing waste or non-value-added activities in an initiative to supply a top quality product/service to the consumer at the lowest expense as well as in the fastest lead-time feasible. When undergoing a lean improvement, we utilize tools like value stream mapping to methodically identify opportunities for enhancement (or kaizen, change for the better). We after that utilize the reliable PDCA (Strategy Do Check Act) strategy to implementing and also sustaining solutions. The remedies might consist of tools like one-piece flow, kanban, FIVE, as well as other devices, and we may use a kaizen event strategy for rapid execution (though this is NOT called for). Lean enters into the culture when staff members in any way levels are using the ideas of trouble addressing as well as eliminating waste regularly (as component of their regular tasks).

A Lean Six Sigma program is based upon the 6 Sigma DMAIC (Specify Action Examine Improve Control) approach to solving problems. It is also based upon the concept of getting rid of flaws, which are specified as malfunctions to satisfy customer demands. Projects are commonly chosen based upon the very best return on investment/financial advantage; quite usually yet not constantly, Worth Stream Mapping is made use of to recognize chances. Each task is designated to a team generally including a Black Belt (Lean Six Sigma trained expert) or Environment-friendly Belt as a leader plus several employee. Utilizing the DMAIC technique, the team addresses the trouble at hand, executes solutions, and also puts controls in place to sustain the enhancement. The group will generally utilize six sigma devices such as process mapping, data collection, process capacity evaluation, hypothesis testing, domino effect evaluation, graphical evaluation, Design of Experiments (DOE), FMEA, as well as numerous others to solve the issue; if the issue lends itself to the lean devices, really frequently they will certainly be made use of. Normally, it takes much longer for a lean six sigma program to drive to all degrees of staff members; nonetheless, the program itself tends to be a lot more structured typically than a lean program.

Below is a chart comparing lean manufacturing and also lean six sigma, which might help in recognizing the two methods.

Some business view Six Sigma as their prevailing, culture-changing program and add lean tools to their 6 Sigma toolbox. These will typically welcome a Lean Six Sigma program. Others have lean as their program of emphasis while incorporated required top quality devices into their program equally as they are a significant piece of Toyota's system. Either strategy can work. In general, the toolsets needed to make renovations will certainly coincide. The strategies to enhancement are various (Six Sigma jobs versus Lean kaizen occasions, daily kaizen tasks, and problem solving teams.