The Lean Manufacturing: The Six Sigma Method

Lean Production is a systematic approach which identifies and eliminates all forms of waste from production processes and gradually reaches a synchronized production flow. This includes elements such as value stream mapping, lean workplace, process improvement (KAIZEN), visualization and standardization of processes, processes of quality assurance at source, manufacturing cells, total productive maintenance, fast casting equipment, teamwork and more.. Lean manufacturing is so concentrated on the elimination of waste in any part of the production. Starting by contacting the customer and accepting his demands, continuing through the supply network, manufacturing process and ending with selling the finished product to the customer, flexibly

Lean six sigma is a natural evolution of the quality and process improvement disciplines that oriented in the 1950s to improve manufacturing. It began with a focus on improving quality in order to decrease the cost of producing defective material. This evolved into applying similar principles to improve process efficiency on the factory floor through the elimination of waste. Over time, other parts of the organization saw the opportunity to apply these same principles to business activities other than manufacturing. Recent trends in quality management philosophy suggest combining Six Sigma with the Lean method. The Six Sigma method is an effective tool for improving the quality of processes. The Lean method has efficient tools which speed up processes by eliminating losses and wastage. Rapid improvement requires both approaches and their connection is necessary for the following reasons:

DIFFERENT TYPES OF

However, the sole responsibility of this individual does not necessarily revolve around the SS process. They have other responsibilities in the workplace that take up the bulk of their time. When needed, they can lead others in problem solving and overall metric gathering. This is the most typical entry level for most businesses today. The next level is the Black Belt

Black belt: This highly trained individual is very familiar with the SS process and is able to implement the process in the form of leading projects. At this level of Six Sigma certification, the primary duties of a Black Belt are focused upon the SS process. This person paves the way for the process improvement in the workplace. The final stage or ranking of the system is Master Black Belt

Master Black Belt: This level is the highest certification one can achieve. The individual at this stage is the “go to” person for continuous improvement. He or she will be able to do statistical analysis, strategic planning, policy implementation, and training structure at all level of business as well as provide ongoing support of and mentoring for Black Belts. They are also responsible for training others in the Six Sigma