If you are looking to bring Lean Six Sigma into your business, it is important to know that the numerous tools associated with the process are the driving force behind Lean Six Sigma’s success. Lean Six Sigma follows the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control, or DMAIC, project phases. Each phase has its own set of associated tools, that will drive the process, and ensure the success of your Lean Six Sigma projects. The first Lean Six Sigma phase, Define, is where opportunities for improvement are identified, and where the project scope and deliverables are defined. In the Define phase, there are several Lean Six Sigma tools that are used, the most important of which is the SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers) Diagram.
Following the Define stage is the Measure stage, where the existing processes within your business are measured, to baseline your current processing speed, cost and quality. This information is critical if you are hoping to find ways to improve efficiency and quality, and reduce costs. Again there are several Lean Six Sigma tools that are used to help you measure and analyze this data, like the value stream map and the complexity value stream map. In order to understand how to use these tools, and achieve the desired improvements, it is important that your project staff has the appropriate Lean Six Sigma training.
Throughout the Measure phase of your Lean Six Sigma project, the various maps that are created will provide a more detailed representation of your business then the overview that is provided by the SIPOC Diagram in the Define phase.
These are just some of the tools that will be used in a Lean Six Sigma project, throughout the first two phases of that project. Another important Lean Six Sigma tool, which used in every project phase, is a guide to manage the type and amount of data that will be collected by all of the other tools, called the Data Collection Plan.
These are just some of the tools that are associated with a Lean Six Sigma project. There are many other tools, like Pareto Charts, and Control Charts, that are used throughout Lean Six Sigma, and are necessary for the success of your project. While it may seem like a lot of tools, and a lot of work, it will be worth it if you can improve your efficiency, reduce your costs, and provide a higher quality product or service for your business and your customers.
six sigma training is something that anyone in the business world could profit from having. There are various 6 sigma levels that can be learned, each having different responsibilities in business. To learn more about the process take a look at www.sixsigmaonline.org
