An Overview Of Basic Lean Six Sigma Training Tools And Techniques

Author : Tony Jacowski

In recent times, one of the most notable offshoots has been none other than Lean Six Sigma – it is already being touted as the next big thing in the world of quality improvement concepts, methodologies and systems

It would not be wrong to say that Lean Six Sigma Training is an advanced version of older variations of Six Sigma Training, because wherever possible it not only helps in reducing the defect rate but also helps in improving overall efficiency business processes by identifying and eliminating unnecessary subprocesses

For this, Lean Six Sigma depends on a wide variety of tools and techniques, some of which are described below

Statistical Lean Six Sigma Training Tools and Techniques

There are many Lean tools available under this category, but the one that is most commonly used is the CPM, short for Critical Path Method Speaking of CPM, it is be worth mentioning that this tool was never designed specifically for Lean Six Sigma

CPM was in use even before Lean concepts came into existence, but experts categorize it as a Lean tool because its full potential was realized only when it was used during Lean Six Sigma implementations CPM helps by scheduling the initialization and completion of each and every sub-process, something that makes it easier for Six Sigma professionals to keep track of ongoing Lean process improvement projects

Other Lean statistical tools that play an equally important role include FMEA (Failure mode and Effects Analysis), used for identifying and eliminating potential problems and issues, VOC Requirements Translation and Kano Analysis, both of which are utilized for quantifying vague customer input and feedback into measurable terms

Lean Six Sigma Software Tools

Lean Six Sigma software tools use the very same concepts and techniques as described above, with the only difference that achieving the desired objectives becomes a lot easier and faster with them

This automatically improves efficiency, one of the primary objectives of Lean Six Sigma Some of the most commonly deployed Lean software tools include MiniTab, SixNet Intelligence, Six Sigma Calculator and RapAnalyst, which is used alongside Design of Experiments (DOE) and data mining projects

Judgmental Lean Tools and Techniques

If Lean Six Sigma is described as a human body, then judgmental Lean tools and techniques would certainly be described as its backbone This is so because these tools play an important part in the decision-making process, wherein Six Sigma professionals are required to identify reasons for common problems and also to devise effective solutions for identified issues

Some of the most common judgmental Lean tools and techniques used by Six Sigma professionals include the Ishikawa Root Cause Analysis Diagram (Fishbone diagram), Thought Maps, Regulation Diagrams, and Brain Storming & Affinity Group Tool

For achieving the desired Lean Six Sigma goals and objectives, all the above described tools are usually deployed simultaneously However, it may vary depending on the type of Lean Six Sigma implementation project and the preferences of Six Sigma professionals

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution’s Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for six sigma professionals including, lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

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