Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that allows an increase in productivity and a decrease in waste.

To gain essential knowledge of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles and practices, consider joining the Lean Six Sigma Awareness Course delivered by pdtraining in Parramatta and other cities in Australia.

Companies often devise methods to increase their productivity and reduce costs. Among other practices to achieve that, Lean Six Sigma is a widely popular and highly effective method. Lean Six Sigma is a combination of the two methodologies of Lean and Six Sigma.

What are Lean and Six Sigma?

Lean is a set of practices that allow identification of the areas of waste so that waste can be eliminated to reduce costs of production. On the other hand, Six Sigma is a methodology that uses various practices to reduce variability and increase efficiency. Both of these methods, when used together, lead to an increase in productivity and a decrease in costs.

Lean uses methods such as identifying the seven areas of waste, using the 5S principles, adopting Poka-Yoke, and conducting value stream analysis. Six Sigma uses the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Identify, and Control) for process improvement. These practices are implemented by those who are trained in Lean Six Sigma. There are different levels of expertise represented by the different belts.

Lean Six Sigma Belts

To categorise those who have knowledge and skills in Lean Six Sigma, according to their level of expertise and areas of operation, there are various belts.

• The Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma involves problem solving, and leads a Lean Six Sigma project. They give instructions to the Green Belt and Yellow Belt holders to implement and complete a LSS project successfully.

• Champions take the responsibility of ensuring that the company’s vision and the outcome of a Lean Six Sigma project are aligned. They make sure that a Lean Six Sigma project is deployed in an integrated manner across the organisation. They can mentor Black Belts when necessary.

• Green Belt holders help with the collection and analysis of data, and have enough expertise to carry out the instructions of the Black Belt.

• Yellow Belt holders provide important help to Green Belts in the completion of the various tasks of a Lean Six Sigma project.

Benefits of Lean Six Sigma

A Lean Six Sigma project leads to the ultimate results of increasing productivity and lowering of costs. It does so by identifying errors and defects, and eliminating them in various processes thereby maximising process efficiency. It also involves effective utilisation of resources for maximising output. The adoption of Lean Six Sigma by an organisation leads to the advantages, including:

• Early defect/error recognition
• Better value to customers and increase in customer satisfaction
• Increased productivity
• Reduction in waste
• Measurable output
• Improved planning
• Successful meeting of company goals
• Reduction in costs
• Better utilisation of resources
• Minimising of process variation
• Improved process performance

Today, Lean Six Sigma is greatly valued for its many benefits. It is being used by companies around the world to provide a competitive advantage by maximising output and reducing costs. The twin methodologies of Lean and Six Sigma have given proven and consistent results, giving companies a way to provide better value to customers and assist with growth of the company.

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