Lean Six Sigma has earned a stellar reputation in the business community, with its ability to help businesses through its unique methodology of continuous process improvement. There are several other methodologies, and as we all are aware of how different methodologies serve different purposes; no other methodology speaks to business the same way as Lean Six Sigma does. In this blog, we will talk about specific Lean Six Sigma tools.
By now, we all acknowledge the fact that Lean Six Sigma is versatile enough to work and inspire individuals in various industries, with its smooth functioning and aggressive improved results. Companies have already deployed this very effective methodology in their processes, and their success stories are a testament to Lean Six Sigma’s ability to impact growth – with zero defects.
Zero defects? That’s right! You must be wondering that how there’s a process in any industry that doesn’t have a single defect. Well, Six Sigma proves all these myths wrong and continues to provide results.
Lean Six Sigma Tools
There are many tools, which are a part of this methodology’s constant success. These tools ensure that every process arrives at the right solution, and helps eradicate certain defects in that very process. Let’s talk about 5 different tools that make Lean Six Sigma the perfect methodology:
1. Pareto Chart
A Pareto chart is a bar graph which captures the significant data related to the occurrence of certain events. This lets a user sort through the data for other reports.
2. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
FMEA is an approach to look for potential defects in an existing design or product. This tool discerns potential failures in a product or service and investigates the repercussions of those failures.
3. 5 Whys
The 5 Whys method is an interactive tool compelling team members to engage in a process to discern the root cause of a problem through a set of questions asked repetitively.
4. Kanban Board
A kanban board is a visual representation of tasks, which are mentioned on the board in three different categories – ‘To Do, Doing and Done.’ A kanban board helps every team member examine the growth of tasks of other members, enabling transparency among employees.
5. Brainstorming
This tool is used to define and discuss the problem and generate ideas under the supervision of a facilitator. These new ideas generated from Six Sigma Brainstorming can lead to future business improvements.
Other factors that contribute to a successful workplace include constant positive support from employees, highly efficient Master Black Belts and Black Belts managing projects, and many others.