Several leading companies from across the globe have saved millions of dollars by applying the Lean Six Sigma methodologies. With the help of the guidelines and principles, businesses can streamline their processes and communication. Lean Six Sigma promises continuous improvement and optimization of the workflow.

The Lean Six Sigma methodology is not useful to the organizations only, it also helps the government save millions by applying these methodologies.

While customer satisfaction and higher quality output are key elements of the Lean Six Sigma, there are some lesser known facts about the methodology. Here are some facts you may not know:

1. Lean Six Sigma and Karate:

The terms used are like those in martial arts. A Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt shows the same expertise, dedication and discipline as a Karate Black Belt would display. While the Yellow and Green belts are for those who are lesser trained, the Master Black belt is the Sensei who trains others in this journey. Reaching this stage is both demanding as well as rewarding.

Each belt provides you with a skillset:

• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification: Highlights the essence of Lean Six Sigma
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification: Focuses on the tools and the application of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) Lean principles
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification: Full-time project leader
• Master Black Belt: Able to teach Lean Six Sigma after gaining two years of experience with the Black Belt

2. Combination of two methodologies:

It is a combination of two distinct business management techniques: Lean and Six Sigma that have similar goals with different approaches.

Lean is a strategy that is culturally committed towards continuous improvement with major emphasis given to waste elimination, variation, and non-value-added tasks. It is mainly focused on customer growth through the optimization of both information and material flow.

Meanwhile, Six Sigma comes into the picture once the Lean methodology has been implemented. It is a data-driven approach that helps solve complex business problems using the methodical five phase DMAIC approach. With this process, one can understand variables affecting a process and work towards optimizing it.

3. Inspired by Japan to compete with Japan:

With its roots put down in 1986 by Motorola, Lean Six Sigma was introduced in US by Michael George and Robert Lawrence Jr. in 2002. The duo wrote a book titled ‘Lean Six Sigma: Combining Six Sigma with Lean Speed’. However, Lean in Japanese is ‘muda’ or waste and is based on the Kaizen principles which originated in Japan. Taking inspiration from these manufacturing principles, the US launched the product to compete with its counterparts in Japan. Over the years, Kaizen and Lean Six Sigma have lost their individuality and the terms are being used interchangeably.

4. DOWNTIME – Lean Six Sigma Tenets:

Lean focuses on systematic elimination of eight different kinds of waste known as DOWNTIME which is an acronym for Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Non-Utilized Talent, Transportation, Inventory (whether too much or too little), Motion, and Excess Processing. It helps in increasing the velocity of the process by reducing the lead time or the total time taken from the beginning to the end of the process.

5. Applicable across industries:

Lean Six Sigma originated from a Mass Production company in general and later moved into the service industry as well. Soon, Lean Six Sigma marched its way into the Healthcare, Government and non-profit industries as well. It is applicable across industries and countries as it is customer centric with critical processes in place. It promises quality in the shortest time possible.

The question that is often asked is “If Lean Six Sigma is applicable in my industry” instead what should be asked is “How can it be applied?” Lean Six Sigma does not only focus on the progress of the company but on individual growth as well. It shows your business analytical abilities and provides you the opportunity to be a change agent in your organization while making you a potential candidate for leadership roles. With these skills, you can expand the scope of your career as it will make you a viable candidate for any job application or help you get the much-deserved promotion at your current workplace.

The post Lean Six Sigma: Facts you may not know appeared first on Graspskills.