Simplifying Lean, Six-Sigma and Kaizen with Synergy Resources

As advocates of continuous improvement in manufacturing services, ERP consultants regularly receive a series of queries from their potential clients regarding Lean, Six Sigma and Kaizen. They often ask us how to differentiate between them. Some ask about the appropriate timing to apply the relevant principles of the three processes. Most business owners simply want to find out the best solution out of the three for their business!

Well, it’s difficult to tell which one of the three is the best. It actually depends on the type of organizations and their suitability for a project considering the unique features these concepts offer. Organizations need to understand that all three methods are specific tools that are designed to resolve defined glitches. They are not a common answer to every problem. On the other hand, there could be some business issues where lean principles could provide a perfect solution, while six sigma practices could be appropriate for some other projects.

None of the above three tools are a complete solution to all the problems that manufacturing businesses come across. Learn more about this by connecting with the team at Synergy Resources now. Meanwhile, let’s talk about each tool separately.

• Continuous Improvement or Kaizen – It is a sustainable approach to work that includes big and small changes in business processes to enhance their product quality and overall business efficiency. Organizations that practice Kaizen share responsibility with each employee working for them; not just with a few selected ones! Thus, we can say that a continuous improvement or Kaizen involves the achievement of small incremental changes to achieve much better performance.
• Lean – This focuses on enhancing processes by reducing waste. The wasteful components or procedures in a business workflow consume important resources. A reduction in practices that increase process cycles or lead to unnecessary expenses make organizations less efficient. Lean is said to have a series of practices that help in reducing process wastes.
• Six Sigma – Six sigma centers around consistency in deliverable, steadiness and precision. The six sigma principles are all about optimizing all the key resources, and making a process LEAN and efficient. This method is based on statistical data and measurements.

Consult the continuous improvement services team at Synergy Resources to learn more about the above.

Many times, organizations are confused about the right time to apply Kaizen, Lean or Six Sigma principles. It is important to apply the appropriate solution when it is required the most.

The right approach is to define the persistent problems that organizations face and resolve them. Also, continuous improvement has no end. Many business owners make the error of assuming that they have reached the optimum level of process efficiency and can now sit back and relax. However, it is an ongoing process that involves:

• Defining the challenge
• Achieving the level
• Maintaining the highest level of efficiency

Synergy Resources can help your organization achieve continuous improvement in the most cost-effective and well-planned manner. Contact us to learn more.