Lean Six Sigma combines the elements inherent in Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. In combining these elements, Lean Six Sigma is a proven business methodology used to increase the efficiency of business processes, as well as their effectiveness, and encompasses both problem solving and process improvement. Understanding the Elements of Lean Six Sigma There are a few basic elements underpinning Lean Six Sigma that collectively result in the optimization of business.
- Customers first! The voice of the customer must be considered above all other needs.
- The ability to adapt and change o Flexible processes and a flexible business model mean adaptability and the ability to quickly and efficiently make changes.
- Eliminate waste o Efficient, value-added processes require the elimination of unnecessary steps in a process, or in some cases the elimination of the process itself. Eliminating waste in this manner can help to reduce costs, increase efficiency, optimize inventory levels, and reduce delivery time to customers.
- Focus on process optimization o If it’s broke, fix it – and conversely, ‘If it ain’t broke, optimize it.’ The business needs to focus on areas that need specific attention, for instance if the problem is related to one particular department or activity then that needs to be the focus of attention until the problem is resolved.
- Keep it simple o This involves boiling down complex processes to their most basic, value-added elements and discarding redundant elements that are adding nothing (except complexity & cost).
Lean Six Sigma Matters
Incorporating and embracing Lean Six Sigma makes the ongoing identification of areas for improvement, and adjustments to optimize processes (including quality systems), an integral part of business. When Lean Six Sigma is at the core of the business and involves all levels of the organization, customer-focused results are achieved with minimum waste, maximum focus and using streamlined processes that increase quality.
Without Lean Six Sigma, quality can be compromised and complex processes can reduce efficiency and, as a result, increase costs.
Why Lean Six Sigma Matters in Quality Custom Machining
Selecting a quality custom machine builder that uses Lean Six Sigma and employs Lean Six Sigma professionals is important. This signals that the company is customer-focused and interested in value added results that improve the customer experience. Lean Six Sigma professionals in the organization provide guidance and can steer the company through the Lean Six Sigma methodology. They can help employees develop a company-wide Lean Six Sigma philosophy that leads to the streamlining of processes and quality optimization, while at the same time reducing and eliminating unnecessary processes or other elements that are wasteful. In quality precision machining, Lean Six Sigma translates into a nimble and flexible approach that helps to ensure that customer delivery demands can be met, quality products delivered, and pricing is competitive.
Conclusion
Quality, competitively priced products and speed-to-market are key elements of success in today’s marketplace. Selecting and working with a Lean Six Sigma precision machining partner has a significant impact. By incorporating and embracing Lean Six Sigma, your precision machining partner can help you by optimizing quality, cost and delivery requirements with a customerfocused approach.