Chapter 1 - Introduction to Essentials of Lean Six Sigma (6σ) Strategies: Lean Six Sigma: Six Sigma Quality with Lean Speed

Abstract

This chapter describes the essentials of Lean Six Sigma (6 σ) strategies where customer satisfaction is the number one priority in any kind of organization. Customer satisfaction also means profitability. The success of any company depends on the ability to ensure the highest quality at the lowest cost. Six Sigma is a management strategy to match the projects to financial goals. It combines robust design engineering philosophy and techniques with low risks. Six Sigma philosophies are related to engineering process control, stochastic control (relating to probability), and statistical process control. It requires consistency assurance, waste reduction, on-schedule and on-time shipping, mistake-proofing, statistical methods, analysis of variance, design of experiment, lean manufacturing, optimization methods, and process and data analysis. It is the process capability that continuously improves the quality of the product and maximizes productivity. Lean Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology and approach used to analyze the root causes of manufacturing and business problems/processes by eliminating defects and dramatically improving the product. It improves the employee's knowledge of business management to distinguish business from the bottom line, customer satisfaction, and on-time delivery.