An Introduction to Lean Six Sigma

For years many companies have struggled with the dilemma of which improvement program to use: Lean or Six Sigma. While some continue to debate the issue, others have come to realize that Lean and Six Sigma can work well together to improve processes, increase quality and drive out costs.

Six Sigma is a methodology and a set of tools, including statistical analysis, to reduce process variation. Lean is a methodology and a variety of tools that focus on eliminating non-value added activities (waste) from a process.

This two-day Introduction to Lean Sigma explains how these two approaches complement one another and teaches several non-statistical tools in enough detail that participants can begin to apply them in their everyday work. Participants will learn about the Purpose, Process and People aspects of Lean Sigma tools and approaches.

Participant teams will work on a pre-selected real-life problem/process utilizing the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) approach in a series of hands-on exercises.

• What is Lean? (Eight Wastes, Lean Thinking Principles)
• What is Six Sigma? (Metric, DMAIC Approach)
• Why Combine Lean and Six Sigma?
• Voice of the Customer
• Business Case for Improvement (SWOT, Balanced Scorecard)
• Process: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC)
• Define Phase Concepts and Tools
• Measure Phase Concepts and Tools
• Analyze Phase Concepts and Tools
• Improve Phase Concepts and Tools
• Control Phase Concepts and Tools
• Stages of Team Development
• Lean Sigma Roles and Responsibilities
• Effective Team Meetings
• Problem Solving Thinking Skills
• Personal Change
• Creating and Sustaining a Continuous Improvement Culture
• Personal Action Plans

This 16-hour program is targeted for all associates that serve on continuous improvement teams.

We can tailor this program and deliver it on-site for your employees and leaders.

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