Lean Six Sigma

Standardize Work Process To Provide Customers Better Products & Services

Much of the work we do consists of repetitive tasks:  changing a die in a stamping press, closing the books every month or running a weekly or monthly meeting.  These repetitive tasks can be studied and improved to make them more efficient, reliable, easier, safer, and more productive.  We  then document the best method and teach it to everyone associated with the task.  This will make...

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Use Value Stream Maps to Understand Process, Information, and Material Flow

  Value stream maps are very useful in analyzing processes because they help identify ways to improve flow and eliminate waste and non-value-added (NVA) activities.  Value stream mapping can also help you achieve other objectives: Establish a baseline for improvement Determine where bottlenecks occur in the process Measurement of key metrics, such as cycle time, downtime, yield,...

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An Organizational Roadmap For Lean Six Sigma Deployment

Just as project teams use DMAIC as their improvement roadmap, organizations must use a roadmap to build the essential foundation that will support and sustain their Lean Six Sigma deployment.  A simple five step roadmap was developed by Pande, Neuman and Cavanagh and discussed in their book The Six Sigma Way, How GE, Motorola, and Other Top Companies are Honing Their Performance, McGraw-Hill,...

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Making Lean Six Sigma Work In Services

Organizations sometimes struggle when they try to adapt Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques to service related industries.  Many of these tools and techniques were developed in the world of manufacturing where there is typically a lot of data, which is not the case in many service areas. However, the need for Lean Six Sigma in service related industries is enormous.  Consider the...

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Improving The Effectiveness of Your Lean Six Sigma Training

  To be an effective Green Belt, Black Belt, or Master Black Belt requires and in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques.  For that to happen and be successful requires a periodic review of your Lean Six Sigma training plan and curriculum. Here are some essentials you should keep in mind as you review your program: Emphasize “hands-on”...

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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your Lean Six Sigma Program

Implementing and sustaining Lean Six Sigma takes a lot of commitment, discipline and hard work as most everyone that’s involved knows.  But how often do you step back and evaluate the effectiveness and value you’re receiving from all your hard work?  And are your efforts taking your organization in the right direction? We tend to get comfortable with the way things are going and...

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