Lean vs Six Sigma

It’s the big fight! Don’t place your bets yet…Lean vs. Six Sigma… who will win?

What is the difference between Lean and Six Sigma?

[drtonyburns]

"Six Sigma Champions are con men "
“All you have is smoke and mirrors ...”
- Creator of Six Sigma, Mikel Harry

[beltcourse]

I was about to comment constructively, but the video actually ended with a good insight and wanted to expand on it. Each methodology has it’s own pros and cons, each has their valid application. But Operational Excellence is so much more than methodologies.

A Plant Manager once told me "Some companies make their (OpEx System) too Lean, others too Six Sigma. Balance is key." I didn't really understand it at the time. But after seeing failures and successes in both methodologies, and after actually seeing amazing success when combining Lean and Six Sigma with a holistic management system and an engaging leadership culture, I finally understood what he meant.

We agree, the disconnect has it’s root around talent development. The training out there just teaches you how to use tools. They don't teach you how to embed OpEx into the organizational structure. The training doesn't enable these "High Performance Teams" that we keep reading about. And truth is, each company is different, and even each division and site, is in a different phase in the journey. And the best people to determine when and how to apply all these tools are the process owners themselves. It’s all about people’s capabilities to do so.

[LearnTransformation]

Great video as well explained.
You can get more transformational videos.

[cesarvasquez]

Why one or the other? why not TOC or TPS (actually Lean)?
The use of tools must be situational, depending on the problem at hand. The real issue is trying to use one or the other as a stand alone platforms. None should be used outside of an organized operational excellence high level approach. Within this context, lean, six sigma, TOC and any other methodology are just the means to advance the company towards its goals. Use them wisely.

[nasserkaabi]

Thank you very much dear for the great explination

[foreshadowd]

So six sigma is just US trying to copy a style, and making it worse?

[geoffmika]

I disagree!
There has to be a culture change that affects everyone in an organization and Six-Sigma is only a TOOL of continuous improvement. It only affects a few not everyone where a culture based program, one emulating the Toyota Production System, has to be embraced by all. It is a new concept where Particapative Management is key, "By the People, For the People and With the People". Read "21st Continuous Improvement" book and see all the philosophic reasoning behind needing to build TRUST

[catmandoou]

IF you don't live it in a TOTAL CULTURE CHANCE.  Buy beer and dope instead.