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lean six sigma

Lean and Six Sigma: Are They Saying the Same Thing?

Exactly what is Six Sigma? Well, the short answer is, Six Sigma is a set of methodologies or a management system that uses specific tools to improve the manufacturing processes. These tools that Six Sigma uses will allow you to compile data, thus finding where the process is falling short and causing the defect.  The […]

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lean six sigma kaizen blog

Perfection is Possible with Lean, Six Sigma and Kaizen Working Together

As a business owner, you don’t have the luxury to get complacent, even if you feel things are running smoothly. Change is very subtle, and by the time you notice a drop in profits, the cause has spread and is nearing terminal stages. Fortunately, there’s Lean, Six Sigma and Kaizen to the rescue! Lean: This […]

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INFOGRAPHIC: The DMAIC Roadmap

Whether you are trying to remove waste from a process, or trying to find out what exactly needs to be improved in a process, the DMAIC template is your secret sauce. This roadmap is simple to use, along with some added tools such as process mapping, the 5 Whys and the Cause and Effect Diagram/Fishbone […]

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Lean Toward Perfection For Greater Value

Do you practice the five key principles of Lean manufacturing at your organization? The concept is simple to understand: only do what is necessary to bring value to your product or service.  Here we break down the five principles in their most basic form: Value: This is determined by your customer and how much money […]

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7 wastes of lean

[Infographic] 7 Wastes of Lean

You might as well call them the 7 deadly sins of waste! Here in this infographic we’ve outlined the 7 wastes of Lean: Overproduction: although its intention comes from a place of optimism, it is a huge waste. Overproduction is very costly, both in revenue and storage, and also makes it very difficult to notice […]

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pull vs push system lean six sigma

In Lean Six Sigma, Pull Don’t Push

One of the great Lean Six Sigma strategies that had its origins based in the Toyota Production System(TPS) is the pull system. The pull system is used to cut down on waste in the production or manufacturing processes. In other words, only make enough product to fulfill the customer’s demand. What are the benefits of […]

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Spring Cleaning Fancies Lean Six Sigma 5S

There is something awe-aspiring about having a home and garage that is neat and clean. It goes beyond having a beautiful or expensive home; it actually brings more value to who you are as an individual or a family. As an individual, it says you take pride in your home, and as a family it […]

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5S

5S, One of Lean Six Sigma’s Finest Tools

Six Sigma has many tools that will work to improve production and efficiency in any type of business. Today, we are going to highlight the 5S tool and why it is so important. The 5S tool is a great system for handling workplace organization. This tool has a step-by-step template that is easy to follow […]

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lean six sigma healthcare

Lean Six Sigma: It’s a Necessity in Healthcare Services

With the aging population increasing, we are starting to see the rise of chronic diseases. On a positive note, our older population is educating themselves on high-quality medical care and following a healthier lifestyle. On the downside, this puts added pressure on the already failing healthcare system. Implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies could significantly improve […]

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Taking Legal Action with Six Sigma

In the worst scenarios, illegitimate practitioners will try to copy your organization and even steal your employees. Equally, business fraud of any kind almost always requires you to take legal action. It’s an unfortunate fact that Six Sigma does not have its own governing body, which means that anyone can get away with anything. For […]

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Six Sigma and Business Analytics: Detecting Fraud

Six Sigma’s usefulness goes well beyond process improvement. It’s also a powerful tool for detecting fraud in accounting data. You should always remain vigilant, as it is often unexpected and difficult to identify. Are you worried about your organization being compromised by fraud? Six Sigma can help. Once you know what to look for, you […]

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Six Sigma and KPIs: Customer Complaints

Your customers are the most important factor for generating revenue. Think about it. Without customers to pay for your products and services, you have no revenue, which means no profit. Plain and simple. Without customers, your business can’t exist. Make sure you know and understand what your customers want. Understanding customer demand is essential to […]

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How to Manage Difficult Team Members

Let’s face it; we all have to deal with difficult team members from time to time. Whether it’s little issues, such as not showing up to work on time, or bigger ones, like failing to complete tasks on time, it’s important to effectively manage the situation. Six Sigma focuses on providing innovative improvement methods for […]

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Practicing Due Diligence: Signs of a Legitimate Professional

When searching for your first, or next, Six Sigma course, it’s important to be on the lookout for illegitimate practitioners. These practitioners may talk you in to paying more for a course than you should, falsely advertise their program, or fall through on their certification promises. Regardless of the reason, there will always be a […]

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uber

Six Sigma Leadership Profile: Uber

At 6sigma.us, we like to analyze a variety of companies in our ‘Leadership Profile’ articles to showcase how they use Six Sigma. These companies exhibit innovative and resourceful skills that help further progress their organization’s success. Whether you’re a non-profit organization or an industry-leading manufacturing company, there’s always a use for Six Sigma methodologies. In […]

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Six Sigma Case Study: Whole Foods

It’s impossible to avoid the growing footprint of Whole Foods across the United States. Since the company’s creation in the late 1970’s, the grocery store chain has become a household name. Seen as a premium brand, its business model focuses on a set of strict criteria and a specific customer base. However, with its strict […]

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practice

Practicing Due Diligence: Checking In

Whenever you work on a project, apply for a new career, or order something online, you like to check its status. How far along your project has come, when your next interview will be, and where your package is, are all questions you ask when checking the progress. Six Sigma is no different. When you […]

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How to Avoid Illegitimate Practitioners

There’s never been a better or more appropriate time for professionals to seek Six Sigma certification. From advancing careers to understanding the complexity of business processes, Six Sigma certification is an excellent achievement for anyone. Decades ago when Six Sigma methodologies were first introduced by Motorola and GE, there were few practitioners offering training and […]

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Practicing Due Diligence: How to Save Yourself Time & Money

As a professional seeking Six Sigma certification, your time and money are extremely valuable. Unlike those who are not currently working or without day time commitments, it’s more difficult for you to devote your free time to a course that you’re unsure about. While there are pros and cons to every Six Sigma program, one […]

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5 Questions to Ask Your Practitioner

If you’re considering enrolling in a Six Sigma training program, it’s important to have the full picture in mind. Whether you’re new to the methodology or just looking to gain a new Belt, there are certain things you must ask your practitioner before signing on the dotted line. In our previous articles, we discuss the […]

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