Lean Six Sigma Method: An Introductory Guide for Beginners

Among the many methodologies that optimize business performance, there is one that combines the advantages of two methods recognized for their effectiveness: Lean Six Sigma.

Lean Six Sigma is a process improvement method designed to eliminate problems, eliminate waste, unnecessary expenses, and lack of efficiency, and to improve working conditions to better meet customer needs.

Definition: What is Lean Six Sigma (LSS)?

As the name suggests, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is an approach that combines two popular methods of continuous improvement: Lean and Six Sigma. Both methods are recognized for their effectiveness in improving work processes. These methods are complementary, hence the idea of grouping them into a single methodology.

La Lean method aims for performance through continuous improvement and the elimination of waste. The aim is to remove anything that doesn't add value to the processes. As for the Six Sigma approach, it is a structured management method that aims to improve the level of quality, stability and efficiency of processes and therefore to improve the overall quality of the product and services offered to the customer (source: wikipedia).

By using them together, a company will therefore make its processes both more efficient and more stable, which maximizes its chances of being more efficient. The Lean Six Sigma method therefore makes it possible to combine the advantages of these two approaches, to use the tools and principles in order to improve the quality and efficiency of work processes.

Origin of the Lean 6 Sigma approach

A quick reminder of the origin of the two methods that constitute the bases of Lean Six Sigma:

• The Lean method was born in Japan, in the automotive industry in the factories of the car company Toyota in the 1970s.
• The Six Sigma approach was developed by Motorola in the 1980s and then implemented by General Electric who improved it and made it famous in the 1990s.

The Lean Six Sigma approach first appeared in 2001, in a book entitled Leaning into Six Sigma: The Path to Integration of Lean Enterprise and Six Sigma, written by Barbara Wheat, Chuck Mills, and Mike Carnell. This book is developed as a guide for managers of manufacturing companies that explains how to combine Lean Management and Six Sigma in order to improve the quality and cycle time of the factory.

Designed for industry, this method can be applied to businesses of all sizes and in all sectors of activity, from finance to health, human resources, sales or logistics.

How does it work?

As with the Six Sigma method, the LSS method is applied by following the five steps called DMAIC which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control.

1. Define : in this first phase, we start by defining what is the problem to be solved as well as the framework of the project, i.e. the objective, the potential resources, the scope of the project and the schedule. You also need to train the project team.
2. Measure : To solve a problem, it is essential to understand what is not working. This step collects the data needed to assess the performance indicators of the current process and identify what is causing problems. The data and results collected will also be used at the end of the project to determine if progress has been made.
3. Analyze : this step consists in identifying the root causes of the problem by analyzing the work processes as well as the data collected.
4. Improve : the team must now find, test, and implement one or more solutions to eliminate the cause of the problem and prevent the creation of new problems. The aim is to find the simplest and easiest solutions to implement and then test them before applying them to stakeholders.
5. Control : once the solutions are in place, the team must monitor the improvements and ensure that they last over time. Success and performance are measured by comparing with the data collected in stage 2, and we do not hesitate to intervene in the event of a drop in performance.

What are the benefits of implementing Lean Six Sigma principles?

The benefits of the Lean Six Sigma method are numerous for your business. In addition to saving money, you will notice positive changes in the involvement and motivation of your employees, the loyalty of your customers, the improvement of your brand image, etc.

Some of the benefits of this method include:

• An increase in profit : eliminating waste, unnecessary delays and improving the quality of production allows you to reduce your costs and thus increase your profitability.
• Simplified and standardized processes: LSS helps you simplify your organization's processes and make them more efficient. Simpler processes are easier to follow, save time, and are less likely to cause errors. All of this also leads to a reduction in costs.
• The involvement and performance of your employees : With LSS, employee ideas and observations are important and contribute to the success of the company. Employees feel listened to and involved, which leads to increased motivation and productivity.
• Satisfied and loyal customers: thanks to LSS, you improve your processes as well as the quality of your products. The satisfaction of your customers increases, which favors their loyalty.

To conclude

By combining the best of two recognized approaches, the Lean Six Sigma method synthesizes best practices for improving work processes. Its application helps to solve a wide variety of problems encountered daily in businesses and allows the development of a culture of continuous improvement.