{"id":9550,"date":"2020-10-05T15:57:31","date_gmt":"2020-10-05T10:27:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.invensislearning.com\/blog\/?p=9550"},"modified":"2026-04-06T10:46:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T05:16:09","slug":"six-sigma-vs-lean-six-sigma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.invensislearning.com\/blog\/six-sigma-vs-lean-six-sigma\/","title":{"rendered":"Six Sigma vs Lean Six Sigma: Key Differences Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Today, enterprises depend on proven business tools and methods in order to modify to satisfy the requirements and demands of consumers globally. Six Sigma is no exception, as multiple branches, systems, and schools of thought have developed from the initial concept over the years to fit current needs. Lean and Six Sigma are two separate schools of thought that have consolidated into a single, cohesive methodology that can spout multiple purposes, known as Lean Six Sigma.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This is a mixture of management systems that build on the principles of Six Sigma with a center on performance. Both programs aim to accomplish the same thing: more efficient processes that yield a more significant bottom line. However, the variation comes in the way they go on reaching that goal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In this article on Six Sigma vs Lean Six Sigma, we will discuss the differences between each concept and which type of company will benefit from which of these methodologies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

An Introduction to Six Sigma<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Six Sigma was formed with a particular objective, which is to reduce variation and check performance rates in production processes through mathematical\/statistical study. To do this, Six Sigma practices one of two, 5-step methods \u2013 either the DMAIC or the DMADV method.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Both approaches have their different techniques. DMAIC is for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. This method includes identifying the difficulties, taking stock of your current plans, classifying and executing a solution, and maintaining that solution in the prospect. This is ideally suited for supply chain performance problems or when only changes to the process are required, not an entirely new function.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

That\u2019s where DMADV, which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify comes in. The first stages of the project are the same, but the Design stage allows for the making of an entirely different tool to solve the query. The Verify phase then concentrates on ensuring that the new solution does, in fact, extend to solve the problem.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Six Sigma essentially assumes control of preventing supply chain mistakes, identifying problems, and solving them as efficiently as possible.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

An Introduction to Lean Six Sigma<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Lean method, on the opposite hand, is wholly converged on reducing waste, providing the most value to clients with the lowest possible price of the investment. The term Lean was initially applied to describe the Toyota Business System in the 1980s, a business theory that encouraged the company to run at maximum efficiency. It involves every layer of an organization, helping pattern new processes and drive the allocation of resources. The primary difference between Lean and Six Sigma is that Lean is less concentrated on manufacturing, but usually shapes every aspect of a business.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Lean Six Sigma links these two approaches, which produces a powerful toolkit for directing waste reduction. As companies try to understand where they may have destructive practices in place, the DMAIC process provides an outstanding road map for identifying and solving the difficulties they confront. This synergy between methodologies helps eliminate the 8 kinds of waste, removing anything from a method \u2013 whether its material, time, or effort \u2013 doesn\u2019t add meaning. The forms of waste are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n