Which one to implement first Lean or Six Sigma?

 

Lean Six Sigma is about eliminating 3Ms in processes (Manufacturing or Service area), i.e. eliminate MUDA (waste), MURA (Variance) and MURI (un-evenness) in your process.

We suggest to use Lean tools to eliminate MUDA first, then use Six Sigma tools to eliminate MURA and again use advanced Lean tools to eliminate MURI.

Before beginning any process improvement project, it’s vital that you choose projects that are good candidates for improvement. A good project for improvement:

  • Has an obvious problem within the process
  • Has the potential to result in increased revenue, reduced cost or improved efficiency
  • Has collectable data

DMAIC (Lean Six Sigma) is also a system of management that results in a steady pipeline of projects. Lean Six Sigma provides guidelines to help you select the right projects at the right time. Once projects are selected, improvement team(s) led by a trained Green Belt or Black Belt can use DMAIC to further refine the projects and deliver quantifiable, sustainable results.

 

 

 

 

Lean Six Sigma training options

 

In this age of high-tech methods, various options are available for effective training. Popular ones are classroom training and Six Sigma online training. A combination of the two also can achieve good results, if applied using relevant and meaningful scope to achieve realistic goals.

The training of the candidates includes sessions on guidelines to provide the best Six Sigma and Lean tools, usage of theory testing and other training based on the needs of the particular industry.
 

Classroom Method

The most common methodology for training in all sorts of industries is the classroom method. The choice of the methodology should be based on the type of participants of the training.

Classroom training in a formal atmosphere brings about group dynamics which is great for productive learning. Interaction with the trainers and colleagues helps understand all matters with great clarity.

Another advantage is that it helps develop a sense of association among co-workers on the matter of change and new developments.
 

Online Training

Online training, or e-learning, is a very good methodology that is being adopted by a number of companies. The only important aspect of this type of training is the disciplined application of time by the employees to undertake training within a specific schedule.

Online training can be given to employees at a place and time suitable for them. They can engage in training even after their regular working hours. It is generally simulation-based, and key concepts are clarified for those undertaking the training.

The standards to be applied for undertaking the different types of training is dependent upon the employee connection with the training needs, continuity required in the training and the need for instructor and student interaction - direct or indirect.
 

Values

The analysis of the suitability and benefits of the two methodologies has to be understood before designing the appropriate methodology for training.

The benefits and cost-effectiveness of the methodologies, as well as appropriate design, is what management has to consider and plan accordingly.
 

Results

When business skills have to be developed, the need for classroom training is more effective. Training for Lean Six Sigma should be designed as a business course.

The course material for the training can be derived from consultants or providers.
 

Costs

The cost of the training will vary for each methodology. The importance of the objectives to be achieved from the initiatives has to be weighed.

The corporate strategies and the effect on the profitability and competitiveness it provides for the company's market strategies have to be considered.

Along with these matters, consideration is also necessary on the certification needs of those who have undertaken training.


 

Kaizen & Lean Bootcamps

 

What is Kaizen?

The Japanese definition of Kaizen is simply continuous improvement.  The goal of Kaizen is to identify and eliminate activities in processes that add waste but do not add value. It is a problem solving approach and will assist you to understand the importance of sustaining solutions by performing ongoing improvements.  This enables you to identify and resolve the problems that normally fall into ’Just do it’. You will gain experience collecting baseline data, identifying root cause, formulating and implementing the team’s solution.

EQUIBT's Lean Bootcamp include training to teach managers how to prepare for and run Kaizen efforts in order to improve their work area continuously. Lean Bootcamp training empowers managers with the skills needed to engage superiors in understanding their organisational purpose.  This is achieved by building a respectful relationship and simplifying complex transactional and operational processes.

What is Lean?

Lean is a business management philosophy and a powerful set of tools designed to eliminate waste and enable value creation through smooth, uninhibited flow. Applying Lean Principles will ensure a clear focus on your customer’s needs and requirements and enable a problem solving mentality at all levels of the company.

EQUIBT is an official partner with the Australian Society for Quality (AuSQ) and has assisted companies in Australia to adopt a continuous improvement mind-set. Contact us today to empower your organisation and learn about the true value in process improvements.