Lean vs. Six Sigma: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 29, 2024
Lean focuses on eliminating waste and improving flow in processes, while Six Sigma aims at reducing defects and improving quality.
Key Differences
Lean methodology centers on streamlining operations and removing non-value-adding activities, enhancing efficiency. Six Sigma, conversely, concentrates on defect reduction and process variability control to achieve near-perfection in production.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
Lean aims at continuous flow and just-in-time production, reducing inventory and maximizing efficiency. Six Sigma focuses on statistical analysis and quality control, using data-driven techniques to minimize errors.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
The goal of Lean is to create more value for customers with fewer resources by identifying and eliminating waste. Six Sigma targets quality improvement through a systematic, project-based approach using DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control).
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
Lean emphasizes on empowering workers, encouraging problem-solving at the ground level. Six Sigma relies heavily on trained specialists (like Green and Black Belts) to lead and implement projects.
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Jan 29, 2024
Lean is often seen as more flexible and adaptable to different types of industries and processes. Six Sigma is more structured, requiring rigorous training and a defined methodology.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Primary Focus
Eliminating waste and improving process flow.
Reducing defects and process variability.
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Jan 29, 2024
Approach
Streamlining operations, continuous flow.
Statistical analysis, quality control.
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Jan 29, 2024
Goal
Maximize efficiency, minimize resources.
Achieve near-perfection, quality improvement.
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Jan 29, 2024
Methodology
Flexible, adaptable to various industries.
Structured, requires rigorous training.
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Workforce Emphasis
Empowers workers at all levels.
Relies on trained specialists.
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Jan 29, 2024
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Lean and Six Sigma Definitions
Lean
A practice of identifying and removing non-value-adding activities.
The Lean audit revealed several redundant steps in the manufacturing process.
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Jan 08, 2024
Six Sigma
A set of techniques aimed at improving process quality by identifying and removing defects.
Six Sigma methodologies reduced error rates in product assembly.
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Jan 08, 2024
Six Sigma
A data-driven approach for process improvement and variation reduction.
The company's Six Sigma initiative led to significant improvements in quality control.
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Jan 08, 2024
Lean
To incline the weight of the body so as to be supported
Leaning against the doorpost.
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Six Sigma
A systematic framework using DMAIC to enhance business processes.
The team used the Six Sigma DMAIC cycle for their project improvement.
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Jan 08, 2024
Six Sigma
A method that strives for near-perfection in production and operational processes.
The Six Sigma project aimed to achieve a defect rate of less than 3.4 per million.
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Jan 08, 2024
Lean
To have a tendency or preference
A government that leans toward fascism.
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Six Sigma
A quality management strategy focusing on statistical analysis and rigor.
Six Sigma tools were instrumental in analyzing customer feedback data.
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Jan 08, 2024
Lean
(Informal) To exert pressure
The boss is leaning on us to meet the deadline.
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Jan 06, 2024
Lean
To set or place so as to be resting or supported
Leaned the ladder against the wall.
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Lean
Containing little fat or less fat relative to a standard
Lean hamburger.
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Lean
Thrifty in management, especially by employing just enough people to accomplish a task or do business
"Company leaders know their industries must be lean to survive" (Christian Science Monitor).
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Lean
To incline, deviate, or bend, from a vertical position; to be in a position thus inclining or deviating.
A leaning column
She leaned out of the window.
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Lean
(copulative) To incline in opinion or desire; to conform in conduct; often with to, toward, etc.
I’m leaning towards voting Conservative in the next election.
The Hispanic vote leans Democratic.
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Jan 06, 2024
Lean
Followed by against, on, or upon: to rest or rely, for support, comfort, etc.
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Lean
To thin out (a fuel-air mixture): to reduce the fuel flow into the mixture so that there is more air or oxygen.
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Lean
(of an object taller than its width and depth) An inclination away from the vertical.
The trees had various leans toward gaps in the canopy.
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Jan 06, 2024
Lean
A recreational drug based on codeine-laced promethazine cough syrup, especially popular in the hip hop community in the southeastern United States.
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Lean
Having little extra or little to spare; scanty; meagre.
A lean budget
A lean harvest
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Lean
Having a low proportion or concentration of a desired substance or ingredient.
A lean ore hardly worth mining.
Running on too lean a fuel-air mixture will cause, among other problems, your internal combustion engine to heat up too much.
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Jan 06, 2024
Lean
Of a character which prevents the compositor from earning the usual wages; opposed to fat.
Lean copy, matter, or type
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Lean
(business) Efficient, economic, frugal, agile, slimmed-down; pertaining to the modern industrial principles of "lean manufacturing".
Lean management
Lean manufacturing
Alcoa is now a lean and agile enterprise, after having split last year into two entities.
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Jan 06, 2024
Lean
To incline, deviate, or bend, from a vertical position; to be in a position thus inclining or deviating; as, she leaned out at the window; a leaning column.
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Jan 06, 2024
Lean
To incline in opinion or desire; to conform in conduct; - with to, toward, etc.
They delight rather to lean to their old customs.
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Jan 06, 2024
Lean
To rest or rely, for support, comfort, and the like; - with on, upon, or against.
He leaned not on his fathers but himself.
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Lean
To cause to lean; to incline; to support or rest.
His fainting limbs against an oak he leant.
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Lean
Wanting flesh; destitute of or deficient in fat; slim; not plump; slender; meager; thin; lank; as, a lean body; a lean cattle.
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Jan 06, 2024
Lean
Wanting fullness, richness, sufficiency, or productiveness; deficient in quality or contents; slender; scant; barren; bare; mean; - used literally and figuratively; as, the lean harvest; a lean purse; a lean discourse; lean wages.
Their lean and flashy songs.
What the land is, whether it be fat or lean.
Out of my lean and low abilityI'll lend you something.
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Jan 06, 2024
Lean
Of a character which prevents the compositor from earning the usual wages; - opposed to fat; as, lean copy, matter, or type.
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Jan 06, 2024
Lean
That part of flesh which consists principally of muscle without the fat.
The fat was so white and the lean was so ruddy.
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Jan 06, 2024
Lean
The property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical;
The tower had a pronounced tilt
The ship developed a list to starboard
He walked with a heavy inclination to the right
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Lean
To incline or bend from a vertical position;
She leaned over the banister
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Lean
Have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined;
She tends to be nervous before her lectures
These dresses run small
He inclined to corpulence
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Jan 06, 2024
Lean
Lacking excess flesh;
You can't be too rich or too thin
Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look
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Lean
A methodology focused on streamlining production by eliminating waste.
Implementing Lean helped the factory reduce idle time significantly.
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Jan 08, 2024
Lean
An approach to maximize value for customers while minimizing resources.
The Lean strategy in the service sector improved customer satisfaction.
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Lean
A system that encourages continuous improvement and efficiency in processes.
The company adopted Lean to enhance its supply chain operations.
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Jan 08, 2024
Lean
A philosophy that promotes doing more with less in any business operation.
Lean principles were applied to reduce overhead costs in the organization.
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Jan 08, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How does Lean improve a process?
By removing non-value-adding activities and streamlining workflow.
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Jan 29, 2024
What is the goal of Six Sigma?
To reduce process variability and defects, aiming for near-perfection.
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Jan 29, 2024
Can Lean and Six Sigma be combined?
Yes, many organizations integrate both for comprehensive process improvement.
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Jan 29, 2024
What does DMAIC stand for in Six Sigma?
Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control.
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What is Six Sigma?
A set of techniques for improving quality and reducing defects in processes.
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Jan 29, 2024
What are some tools used in Lean?
Tools like 5S, Kanban, and value stream mapping are commonly used in Lean.
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Jan 29, 2024
What is Lean?
A methodology focused on eliminating waste and improving efficiency in processes.
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Jan 29, 2024
Is Lean suitable for all types of industries?
Lean can be adapted to various industries, from manufacturing to services.
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Jan 29, 2024
Are Six Sigma projects data-driven?
Yes, they heavily rely on data analysis for decision-making.
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Jan 29, 2024
How long does it take to implement Six Sigma?
Implementation time can vary, depending on the complexity of the project.
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Jan 29, 2024
Can Lean principles be applied to non-manufacturing sectors?
Yes, Lean principles are applicable across various sectors, including services and healthcare.
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Jan 29, 2024
What industries benefit most from Six Sigma?
It's beneficial in industries where error reduction is critical, like manufacturing and healthcare.
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Jan 29, 2024
Can Lean help in reducing costs?
Yes, by eliminating waste and improving efficiency, Lean can lead to cost reduction.
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Jan 29, 2024
Is Six Sigma only for large corporations?
No, it can be applied in businesses of all sizes.
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Jan 29, 2024
Does Lean involve changes in organizational culture?
Yes, it often requires a cultural shift towards continuous improvement.
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Jan 29, 2024
Does Six Sigma require special training?
Yes, it typically involves training for roles like Green Belts and Black Belts.
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Jan 29, 2024
What is the main difference between Lean and Six Sigma?
Lean focuses on waste reduction, while Six Sigma focuses on reducing defects and improving quality.
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Jan 29, 2024
How does Lean impact employees?
It empowers employees to identify and solve efficiency problems.
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Jan 29, 2024
How quickly can Lean show results?
Lean can show quick results, especially in areas with evident waste.
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Jan 29, 2024
Is statistical knowledge necessary for Six Sigma?
Yes, a good understanding of statistics is important for Six Sigma.
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Jan 29, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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Hifza Nasir
