Is there a difference between 5S and Six Sigma?

When a business is looking to improve the way they operate, they often look into a variety of different strategies or methodologies to meet their needs. When researching, they will likely come across Six Sigma and 5S as good options. Due to the fact that they are both workplace improvement strategies, and that they both have “S’s” prominently in their names, many people think that these are very similar or overlapping options.

Differences Between 5S & Six Sigma

The reality is, however, that 5S and Six Sigma are two distinct strategies, both of which can be very helpful. In many situations, implementing both options will help to bring dramatic improvement, and they can even complement each other to get better results.

There are some significant differences between these two methodologies. First, the main focus of each is unique. 5S is focused on eliminating waste and inefficiencies in the workplace. This can be applied to every department and action that takes place. Six Sigma, on the other hand, is a process improvement strategy that looks to eliminate defects by implementing standard processes, identifying problem areas, and more.

Some Overlap

While there are important differences between these two options, there is also some overlap. This doesn’t mean that the two systems would be redundant, but that they can, at times, work toward the same goals. For example, when Six Sigma is working on eliminating a particular defect from a product line, it will also help to eliminate the waste in that product that comes with the defect, which is the goal of 5S.

Some of the 5S and Six Sigma projects will be similar, and others will be entirely different. This actually makes the two methodologies very complimentary, and in many cases, more effective together than they could be alone. Any company that is looking to improve their business will want to take a close look at these two options and see how they can best be implemented for maximum benefits.