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5 FAQs about Lean Six Sigma™

Lyndsay Collins
22 January, 2014

By definition, Lean Six Sigma™ is a data-driven, customer-focused, and results-oriented methodology that uses statistical tools and techniques to eliminate inefficiencies and improve business processes.

Where can Lean Six Sigma™ be applied?

Lean Six Sigma™ can be applied in any industry, such as manufacturing, service, healthcare etc.

Are there specific methodologies in Lean Six Sigma™?

Yes. Lean Six Sigma™ projects follow two project methodologies called DMAIC and DMADV.

DMAIC is used for projects aimed at improving an existing business process.

The acronym stands for:

  • Define: Define the problem statement and project goal
  • Measure: Measure the current performance (baseline)
  • Analyse: Identify and analyse the root causes of the defects
  • Improve: Improve the process by eliminating defects
  • Control: Control and sustain the performance

DMADV is used for projects aimed at creating new product or process designs.

The acronym stands for:

  • Define: Define the project goals that are consistent with customer needs
  • Measure: Measure and determine the customer needs
  • Analyse: Identify and analyse the root causes of the defects
  • Design: Design the process by developing it in detail in line with customer needs
  • Validate or Verify: Validate the performance and ability of the process to meet customer needs

What are the benefits of Lean Six Sigma™?

Those organisations that implement Lean Six Sigma™ correctly achieve significant benefits that contribute to competitive advantage and to changing the culture in an organisation from reactive problem solving to proactive problem prevention.

These benefits include: 

For your career:

  • Improved knowledge and skills
  • Ability to use a wide range of tools and techniques
  • A widely recognised title

For your organisation: 

  • Bottom line cost savings (5%-20% of turnover per annum)
  • Improved quality of product or service as perceived by the customer (internal and external customers)
  • Reduction in process cycle times
  • Development of staff skills
  • Adopting a common language throughout the organisation
  • Upholding a world-class standard

What’s the difference between the Green Belt™ and the Black Belt™?

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt™ ICGB™ course covers most of the common tools and techniques used in Lean Six Sigma™, while the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt™ ICBB™ course provides competence in advanced statistical tools and techniques used in major, complex projects.

What are the prerequisites for Lean Six Sigma™ certification?

There are no prerequisites for taking the Yellow and Green Belt™ certifications. However, to achieve the Black Belt™ certification, you need to have your Green Belt™ first. 

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