Lean Six Sigma process - Essay Example

Lean Six Sigma Lean Six Sigma is a combined managerial concept of Six Sigma and Lean which was designed to improve qualityand minimize if not eliminate waste (Fu-Kwun). The precursor of Lean Six Sigma was the Six Sigma which was first developed by Motorola in the 1980s. While it was originally developed to improve manufacturing processes, it has also been used by many organizations to improve other areas of their business” (Guarraia 2009). Lean on the other hand had its roots back to production system of Toyota Production System which was “traditionally associated with moving equipment” (Klaasse, 2006).

Lean Six Sigma requires cultural change because at the core of its philosophy is the identification of customer value that any activities that is not consistent to customer value, or anything that the customer is not willing to pay for is removed. Thus, with the implementation of Lean Six Sigma, the organization is driven drive improve values that the customer is willing to pay for. Then a value stream is created to serve customer value. The process of Lean Six Sigma typically involves defining and prioritizing process, measuring performance, analysis of root cause, implement improvements and control the process.

Training of Lean Six Sigma Blackbelts will also be beneficial to an organization. The successful implementation of Six Sigma’s Tools has substantial impact on an organization’s bottom line and it was estimated that the typical contribution of an experienced Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt to an organization is $1 annually (Klaasse, 2006).ReferencesFu-Kwun, Wang; Kao-Shan Chen (2010) Applying Lean Six Sigma and TRIZ methodology in banking services. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 21(3):301-315.

Guarraia, Peter; Carey, Gib; Corbett, Alistair; Neuhaus, Klaus. Six Sigma – at your service. Business Strategy Review, 20(2):56-61.Klaasse, Sandy, Lytle, Jeff (2006). Lean Six Sigma working in the latex industry. Rubber & Plastics News, 03006123, 35(25)