{"id":9547,"date":"2024-05-21T16:00:42","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T20:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/campuslean.com\/5-lean-six-sigma-principles-to-apply-today\/"},"modified":"2024-07-31T15:29:53","modified_gmt":"2024-07-31T19:29:53","slug":"5-lean-six-sigma-principles-to-apply-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/campuslean.gumstaging.fr\/en\/5-lean-six-sigma-principles-to-apply-today\/","title":{"rendered":"5 LEAN Six Sigma Principles to Apply Today"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

All project managers have the same fundamental goal: optimize workflow and eliminate superfluous or repetitive tasks to make projects as efficient as possible. The question remains: what\u2019s the best way to do that? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LEAN or Six Sigma?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

LEAN and Six Sigma are both meant to help continuously improve a company\u2019s processes. However, their methodologies are very different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Six Sigma approach uses a 5-step methodology to solve problems. It\u2019s called DMAIC, which stands for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Define<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Measure<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Analyze<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Improve<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Control<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Meanwhile, the LEAN method aims to reduce waste and deliver the best possible customer experience. It uses value chain mapping to define the processes involved in creating a product or delivering a service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What happens when you combine the best of these two approaches? LEAN Six Sigma. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    What is LEAN Six Sigma?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Combining LEAN with Six Sigma creates a new approach that not only minimizes errors and waste, but also sparks a profound transformation in corporate culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When a company starts using LEAN Six Sigma concepts, managers and employees shift their mindsets towards growth and continuous improvement through process optimization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s take a look at the 5 most important principles you can apply right now to maximize your productivity and profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Principe <\/strong>#<\/strong>1: Focus on the customer
    <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Putting customers first: it\u2019s an age-old principle, and one that\u2019s always good to keep in mind!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What are my customers\u2019 needs? What are the consumers\u2019 expectations? Answering these two questions will allow you to generate as much value as possible and offer a product or service that meets market requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Principle<\/strong>#<\/strong>2: Map the value chain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Before you can improve your value chain, also known as your process, you need to know all the steps involved. Which steps create value? Which ones don\u2019t? If a step doesn\u2019t create value, you can remove it from your value chain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Principle <\/strong>#<\/strong>3: Eliminate waste to create flow<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Start by identifying sources of waste. From there, you can think about making improvements to your process to close gaps and increase fluidity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is waste? It\u2019s anything that doesn\u2019t add value to the product or service and doesn\u2019t meet your customer\u2019s expectations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Follow these 5 steps to eliminate waste:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step 1: Make the waste visible<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Pay attention to the different types of waste: defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilized talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and extra processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step 2: Be aware of the waste<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Once you become aware of a specific waste (patients on average see their doctor 60 minutes after their scheduled appointment time, for example), you can take steps to eliminate it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step 3: Take responsibility for the waste<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Foster a culture of responsibility within your company. When you do that, everyone\u2019s energy is aimed in the same direction: reducing waste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step 4: Measure the waste<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    To eliminate waste, you first need to know how much is being wasted. This step is essential to mobilize managers and employees around a common goal. People need concrete facts to understand that it\u2019s really worth changing their habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step 5: Reduce or eliminate the waste<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Now you can look for solutions. This is the time to be creative and innovative in finding ways to minimize waste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Principle <\/strong>#<\/strong>4: Communicate with your team<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Change is disruptive! To get your team members on board with the change you\u2019re proposing, it\u2019s important to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Specify the reasoning behind the change<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Explain the new standards or procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Train everyone to follow them correctly<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Give people feedback so they can adjust as needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Principle <\/strong>#<\/strong>5: Create a culture of change<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      As you\u2019ve probably noticed, LEAN Six Sigma involves some major changes. You need to embrace this change and encourage your employees to do the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The LEAN Six Sigma approach combines the best of two proven approaches to continuous improvement: LEAN project management and Six Sigma. Its goal isn\u2019t to just apply the 5 principles once and then forget about them. On the contrary, they should become an integral part of your daily thinking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Campus LEAN\u2019s experts in continuous improvement and change management are here to support you in your quest for continuous improvement and your application of the fundamental principles of LEAN Six Sigma.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      by Bernard Gagnon<\/strong><\/em>
      Master Black Belt LEAN Six Sigma,
      Professional Scrum Master PSM I<\/p>\n\n\n