Understanding Six Sigma: Definition, Benefits, and Best Practices

six sigma definition

Lean Six Sigma is a method for improving performance by systematically removing waste and reducing variation that relies on a collaborative team effort. Increased performance and decreased process variation contribute to defect reduction and improvements in profits, employee morale, and product or service quality. A variation on the Six Sigma framework marries Lean Management principles with Six Sigma methodologies. Lean Management seeks to reduce waste and thereby production cycle time, whereas Six Sigma focuses on reducing variation among deliverables. As some see it, Six Sigma focuses on finding and fixing defects after the fact, while Lean tries to prevent defects from occurring in the first place.

Voice of the Customer

It combines Six Sigma methods and tools with the Lean manufacturing/lean enterprise philosophy. It strives to eliminate the waste of physical resources, time, effort, and talent while assuring quality in production and organizational processes. Six Sigma (6σ, 6 sigma) is a data-driven and customer-focused approach to improving the quality and efficiency of business processes.

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“I would say that smaller companies need Lean and Six Sigma more than larger companies because they need to be so much more competitive to stay in business,” asserts Vanderbilt. Visit our comprehensive project management guide for tips, best practices, and free resources to manage your work more effectively. Possessing a Six Sigma certification proves that an individual has demonstrated practical applications and knowledge of Six Sigma. During the 2000s, Lean Six Sigma forked from Six Sigma and became its own unique process. LSS developed as a specific process of Six Sigma, incorporating ideas from lean manufacturing, which was developed as a part of the Toyota Production System in the 1950s.

Methodologies

The Lean method of working allows for efficient workflows that save time and money, allowing you to cut down on wasted time and effort. Lean and Six Sigma vary primarily in that Lean frequently affects all aspects of an organization rather than being solely focused on production. These two strategies are combined by Lean Six Sigma to produce a potent toolkit for dealing with waste reduction. So whether you are a graduate in any stream, an engineer, or an MBA professional, if you want to enhance your career prospects and salary gains, then make sure to get certified in Six Sigma courses.