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LEAN ONLY ENTERS SIX SIGMA PARTIALLY


Lean and six sigma are often combined but are not the same. In some ways they even clash! One such clash is due to the central position of Kaizen in Lean. Kaizen reflects the Japanese origin of Lean and is about continuous, gradual improvements rather than sudden breakthroughs that may shock the system and create negative consequences. However, sudden major breakthroughs are a key characteristic of six sigma projects. At the end of a six sigma project, we generally do have a major breakthrough and not a series of incremental continuous improvements. Six Sigma does shock the system! In a way this reflects the American background of six sigma that has its origin around the Chicago area in the 1980's. So when Lean is incorporated in six sigma, it typically enters the six sigma project as tools like 5S, House of Quality, Hoshin Kanri, Andon etc. But it does not fully enter Six Sigma, because it clashes in some areas. That is also the reason why a Lean Six Sigma study program does not cover the full Lean curriculum and a separate Lean program should be studied if one wants to get a full understanding of Lean.     

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