In order to achieve our zero defects and cost leadership goals we have introduced a combined Lean and Six Sigma quality programme.
Lean and Six Sigma have quite a few similarities. They both define Customer Value/Customer Satisfaction as the objective for all projects and they both compare the level of performance before and after to evaluate the success of the project.
The philosophy of Lean is to add value by reducing waste – waste in terms of raw materials, time, transportation, inventory, and other issues, which do not represent any customer value.
Six Sigma is to search for root causes of a problem by means of measurements and statistical analysis. Once the root causes are known even complicated problems will often prove to have a simple solution. Six Sigma is to improve processes to a “zero defect” level (3,4 defects per million).
Many Lean projects go wide in the organization and will often expose the need for one or more Six Sigma projects.
Working with Lean and Six Sigma is not just a project for us. Both philosophies are in the fabric of our business and in everyone’s mind. Working with Lean and Six Sigma is not just something for a few people who’ve been trained or a few senior managers. It runs right through the organisation, from the production floor to the boardroom.
