The lean process contains one of the basic Six Sigma strategies pertaining to the identification and elimination of extraneous and useless steps in a process . By adhering to principles of Lean, a business or organization will solve problems that hinder the streamlining of manufacturing methods, enhance quality, retain customers, and attract new customers to their existing base. Lean methods are implemented within the structure of the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) and supplemented with other valuable Six Sigma tools. The key to understanding Lean practices is to understand the overlaying goal of reducing waste in whatever form it exists with a business.Courses Required for Certificate
Five basic areas of knowledge are explored in a good Lean training course. These areas are:
- Control Processes
- process Improvement
- Data Analysis and Root Cause Identification
- Measuring and Collecting Data
- Defining and Prioritizing Problems
A subset of the data analysis/root cause identification subject, for example, would be with something called the "5-Why analysis". This tool is utilized to ignore symptoms of the problem by getting to the true issue of a problem and its reason for existing. The 5-Why Analysis is called this because the Lean trainee is supposed to ask "why " five consecutive times. The idea behind this considers the rational assumption that by the time someone is asking "why?" for the 4th or 5th time, they have methodically reached the real causes of the problem which, nine times out of ten, is related to the inability of management to understand the Lean principle regarding efficiency and quality control systems analysis.Brainstorming Procedures
Along with a Lean, DFSS certification, Six Sigma Green Belt training courses also emphasize the technique of brainstorming, or procedural creative thinking. As a team-oriented activity, brainstorming is meant to solve a problem by stating and writing if down before the start of the session. A Lean-qualified individual will know how to direct the meeting and its members in the most effective way using flowcharts, ensuring that everyone has common understanding of the issue, and asking each mall team what sort of idea the have regarding this issue. No criticism is permitted during a brainstorming session and the leader is the only one who record idea as they emerge form various teams. The concept behind this exercise is to allow any ideas, no matter how off-topic they may be, to flow naturally in order to promote "outside the box" thinking.
