Lean Six Sigma is a method that relies on a collaborative team effort to improve performance by systematically removing waste and reducing variation. It combines lean manufacturing/lean enterprise and Six Sigma to eliminate the eight kinds of waste (muda): Defects, Over-Production, Waiting, Non-Utilized Talent, Transportation, Inventory, Motion, and Extra-Processing.
Lean Six Sigma is used to reduce process defects and waste, and to provide a framework for overall organizational culture change. Through the introduction of Lean Six Sigma, employers hope to change the mindset of employees and managers to one that focuses on growth and continuous improvement through process optimization. This change in culture and the mindset of an organization can potentially maximize efficiency and increase profitability.
In order to implement Lean Six Sigma, a combination of tools from both lean manufacturing and Six Sigma are necessary. Some of these tools include kaizen, value-stream mapping, line balancing, and visual management.