Content area
Full text
1. Introduction
Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is an integrated tool, which helps in reducing the process variations, defects in the process and also eliminating the wastes and non-value-added activities. Six Sigma will provide the define–measure–analysis–improve–control (DMAIC) framework, and Lean will provide necessary tools to form LSS. By combining Lean and Six Sigma, we can create an integrated production and quality improvement tool through which we can enjoy benefits, such as costs reduction, defects free quality product and also waste reduction. Using Lean and Six Sigma together will directly reduce the cost of manufacturing by reinforcing one another in various forms. Kumar et al. (2006) have stated that Lean sigma combines the variability reduction tools and techniques from Six Sigma with the waste and non-value-added elimination tools and techniques from Lean manufacturing to generate savings to the bottom line of an organization.
LSS framework is scientifically designed with proper tools and techniques; proper training needs are to be provided to the team members and quantifiable results need to be gained (Vinodh et al., 2011). Imam et al. (2012) have said that Lean eliminates the use of Six Sigma's DMAIC cycle on the other hand; Six Sigma eliminates defects but does not address how to optimize the process flow. Hence, applying both Six Sigma and Lean tools sets results in far better improvements than could be achieved with either one method alone. Gupta et al. (2012) have stated that Six Sigma concentrates on reducing process variation, and Lean focuses on reducing process time by removing non-value-added steps and waste. When these two methodologies are combined in the form of LSS, organizations boost customer satisfaction by providing high-quality products and services on time. Arumugam et al. (2012) have defined that LSS involves an investigator viewing a process or activities of people and/or equipment and registering, by any means (either noting down or registering in mind), for subsequent critical analysis to come to a meaningful and logical conclusion on some clues, which are the potential causes of variation in the process outcome. Mousa (2013) have said that LSS provides an over-arching improvement philosophy that incorporates powerful data-driven tools to solve problems and create rapid transformational improvement at lower cost.
LSS is a combination of two popular continuous improvement...