Lean Six Sigma

I was asked privately to share what Lean and Six Sigma means as an integrated vs. separate methodology. So wanted to share my response back with the group. Note: While I did not include Theory of Constraints and many other methods such as Hoshin Planning, etc... These best practice methods, and many more such as ITIL, Agility, etc... all have a place in the Integrated Lean Six Sigma Approach. While it is true that Lean and Six Sigma were born as 2 different methodologies, for over 10 years now, they have been merged as an integrated methodology. Lean is more about improving process speed, and Six Sigma more about improving process quality, and both address process costs. Six Sigma brings to Lean more in Process Infrastructure, Linkage to project management techniques, and alignment to strategic objectives, and Lean is Stronger in work control pull systems and process agility. While Six Sigma does have more process controls and uses statistical tools for root cause analysis, Lean does well with Gemba, visual workplace and standard work. Lean and Six Sigma have principles that are both important to the customer, but Six Sigma brings more Customer tools and methods, and Lean brings more Improvement phase tools and methods. For example: In Lean Six Sigma, a Value Stream Map captures the Defects and Yield Output and links to VOC Critical to Quality requirements as well as the Value Add activities defined in Lean. These go on the VSM too, but may be more on product on manufacturing side and Information flow on Services side. All customers care about speed, cost, and quality, and the integration of Lean and Six Sigma into a unified approach accomplishes that more than either can do Independently. What are others thoughts?