What is different between lean and six sigma

You take into account your options for continuous improvement initiatives. One of those questions is to choose which program you will face. I am talking about this here a little bit. Today, I want to go a little bit more deeply on the differences between the two most popular CI programs; lean and Six Sigma

The first little definition of starting with a six-sigma. Six sigma are many things. It's numeric (3.4 million counterparts). It's a set of tools - GR and R, descriptive statistics, feedback, DOE, etc. The problem solving process is - DMIC, PIDV, DMADV. But it can also be a management philosophy.

Lean Management Philosophy

All the above items (except static) are for Lean Six Sigma. Lynn is a tool set (Kanban, Poke Yoke, Endon, VSM, Standard Work, Visual Factory, etc.). Lean is also a process. Usually starts at 5 s and proceed towards more difficult problems. And using the Kaizen Approach, it is resolving.

Both approaches can be successfully apply at the specify level. But the complete realization of each is as a management philosophy. It can be beneficial when applying resources to a given problem. So that everyone can succeed without full commitment.

Each approach leads to weaknesses in other approaches. Together with the tools and methods (Lean Six Sigma), leads to the latest trend in the compound. There is a clear difference between the tools use in each method. The procedures use can be similar to each other. kaizen can be mapped to or against the DMIC steps.

What is the difference between Lean and Six Sigma?

The biggest difference can be found when lean or a six sigma is widely apply as a way to manage the business. Both include training as a core component. But there is a subtle difference between the approach use.

Both Lean and Six Sigma may need train practitioners to succeed. operator has an extra cost on training which does not exist in the Six Sigma. The main concept of lean culture is a cross-training workforce. Cross-trained in the work process, not especially in the lean tools.

This is an important part of lean transformation. Because cross-trained employees support job rotation to keep workers away from boredom and self-confidence. Another notable difference in the use of measurements is obvious. Lynn and Six Sigma both emphasize the performance of the scalp. Nevertheless the approach is very different.

Example:

Six sigma plans to measure the process performance related to the project level or the process performance related to the most important steps of commercial success through dashboards. These dashboards are cascade down from the bottom and rarely appear on the store floor. So workers do not really know how they do.

Lean, on the other hand, focuses on the floor on the store floor, puts high value on the first and the manager going to office. Or to see how the shop floor is underway. Beginning with the work cell, and suggesting the UP to meet the size of the plant and the company moving forward from there.

This is support by the concept of Visual Factory. I remember a quote from the standard for visual factory efficacy was that a blind person could knock the horse through a plant. And finally it is able to tell what's going on in the plant. It should be clear. This difference reflects the difference between Lean and Six Sigma, the main philosophy.

A Tops-Down Management Philosophy

Six Sigma is a top-down management philosophy. Which only reaches the occasional shop floor. Whose main professionals are mid-level managers and engineers. Six Sigma Projects are select by reviewing the performance at a higher level and transforming it with some involvement by "Doers".

On the other hand, lien is classify by the idea of ​​"servant leadership". In which Leadership sees one of her main works to enable workers' success. The management goes to the floor to see what is going on.

Valuable effective communication, training, promotion and education and initiatives are initiate, and the lowest level of work being complete, the personal worker and the work start with the desire to improve the work of the cell member.

Finally, there is one other notable difference between Lean and Six Sigma at the top level. Because the Lynn focuses on empowering the worker to do better. Therefore, holy faith is built between workers and management. The imply contract is that people will not lose their jobs due to lynching.

This is excessive power to build trust. I do not think wrong, the Lynn result requires fewer workers in the work cell, but holy trust means that the workers are place elsewhere, not on the street.