Both Lean and Six Sigma are approaches for increasing efficiency and eliminating waste in company processes.
Lean manufacturing is a methodical strategy to identifying and removing waste in a production system. It prioritises client value while avoiding waste and effort. Lean principles are based on the premise that value is created via material transformation and that waste is everything that does not add value to this transformation. Lean techniques include value stream mapping, a tool for identifying and eliminating waste in a manufacturing process, and Kanban, a method for managing and controlling the flow of resources.
Six Sigma is a data-driven method to enhancing business process efficiency and eliminating faults. Its goal is to detect and eradicate flaws through statistical analysis and the DMAIC problem-solving process (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control). Six Sigma practitioners identify and reduce causes of variability and flaws in processes using methods like as process mapping, statistical analysis, and design of experiments.
In essence, Lean emphasizes maximizing value and eliminating waste, whereas Six Sigma emphasizes defect reduction and efficiency improvement through statistical analysis and structured problem-solving. Both approaches can be used in tandem to optimize company operations even more.
