Lean Six Sigma Principles

Do you know that Lean Six Sigma companies save billions of dollars every year by improving processes and cutting down on mistakes? Research conducted by McKinsey & Co. shows that companies are able to improve their process performance by as much as 30-40 %! If you are looking for wonderful operational excellence, concepts of Lean Six Sigma may be the answer. 

More importantly, follow this blog because it takes into account these powerful principles and explains how they are helping the resurgence of organizations around the globe.

What is Lean Six Sigma?

Lean Six Sigma is the integration of two powerful strategies, Lean and Six Sigma, to improve business processes, reduce waste, and boost quality.

Lean: Focus on cutting out wasteful practices and adding value.

Six Sigma: Focuses on reducing variation and eliminating defects.

This data-centric approach is geared towards customer value and effective performance, which makes it suitable for businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, tech start-ups, etc.

The Lean Six Sigma Concept

This concept is built around the DMAIC Framework: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control, which offers a systematic, logical plan to solve any problem related to a process.

• Promotes data-driven decision making.
• Addresses the requirements of the customer.
• Encourages a culture of bettering processes (Kaizen) regularly.

It is all about operational excellence through the reduction of waste and the increasing of value for both organizations and their clients, a success of both sides!

Lean Six Sigma Concepts and Principles​

1. Focus on the Customer

The concept of Lean Six Sigma is rooted in client satisfaction, which means everything revolves around the client’s expectations. Clients’ needs have to be spontaneously responded to and processes developed in view of client expectations. For example, Amazon’s growth by meeting client expectations through its delivery time and ease of use of the interface is a classic illustration of this principle.

2. Mapping Value Streams

Value stream mapping is a valuable tool that helps understand how a task is performed in a company. Through this, the value-added and the non-value-added steps can be determined, and thus, the inefficiencies can be eliminated. It is similar to Marie Kondo’s approach –remove anything that doesn’t create value!

3. Manage and Improve the Process Flow

Seamless work is in its most effective form, as effective processes provide a logical sequence to different tasks. As aforementioned, waste promotes non-adding value activities that interfere with flow. An example could be the time spent waiting for approval signatures that do not add value to the task.

4. Fact-Based Management and Reduction of Deviations
One of the most important principles of Lean Six Sigma is fact-based decision-making. Certain highlights characterize quality, and these are reflected accordingly in the key figures. An example of this would be the optimized provision of the same standard portion size in all branches of a restaurant chain, which increases customer satisfaction.

5. Equip Employees and Involve Them in the Process
People are the most important asset; therefore, organizations can only be as good as those in them. The Lean Six Sigma strategy is based on improving and training people and equipping them with the necessary tools to change the process. When teams are motivated, they encourage creativity and take initiative.

Lean Six Sigma Belt Levels

In order to become proficient in Lean Six Sigma, it is necessary to have a professional qualification known as ‘ belts ‘:

• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt: Introductory level for project contributors.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt: Intermediate level for active team members.
• Lean SixSigma Black Belt: Advanced level for managers leading complex projects.
• Master Black Belt: Leadership strategies and mentoring Black Belts.

Such certifications guarantee that people at every hierarchical level of the organization can participate in process improvement programs in a meaningful way.

Check out Lean Six Sigma Certification Levels

Benefits of Lean Six Sigma

1. Reduced Costs: Eliminating Seven Wastes of Lean, defects, and other inefficiencies can result in millions over a long time.
2. Streamlined Customer Retention: Deliver high product and service quality to customers, thus keeping them satisfied.
3. Increased Employee Motivation: Create an environment where employees are encouraged to develop new ideas and ways to overcome challenges.
4. Factual Decision Making: Decisions that are made are meaningful and powerful, based on evidence rather than instinct.

What is Lean Six Sigma Training?

Lean Six Sigma training allows participants to carry out Lean Six Sigma Concepts and Principles​ effectively by equipping them with the proper knowledge and tools throughout the course.

Combines theoretical learning with practical projects.

Explains the limitations and possibilities for the different levels of belts.

In-demand providers like Simpliaxis offer comprehensive training programs tailored to professionals across industries, helping them achieve certifications such as Yellow Belt, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training, and Black Belt.

Why is Lean Six Sigma Important?

The importance of Lean Six Sigma lies in the fact that it enables companies to achieve competitive advantages. It is not just about improving processes and reducing costs but also about achieving a better market position and offering greater value to customers.

For example, General Electric Corporation earned over 300 million dollars through cost reductions in the first year it worked with Six Sigma, which is clear evidence of its success.

The Bottom Line

Lean Six Sigma is more than just a tool; it is a way of thinking that changes the way companies work. Whether it's improving customer perception or reducing costs, these principles allow companies to stay ahead of the competition.

If you are ready to practice and take responsibility for innovative projects, Simpliaxis can support you. We offer training tailored to your goals, from Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification Training to Black Belt.

Change your career and take the first step. Find out about Simpliaxis’ Lean Six Sigma training courses now!

Read more about Lean Six Sigma Certification: A Comprehensive Guide