Is Lean Six Sigma Still Relevant?

Is Lean Six Sigma Still Relevant?

Understanding methods that can increase productivity, like the 5S principles and Lean Six Sigma, is vital to running an effective workplace. When a firm adopts Lean manufacturing, for example, they become safer, more efficient, and less wasteful. 

Lean Six Sigma is a similar method, but you might not have heard about it recently. Is that because it’s gone out of style? Does it no longer work? Let’s discuss why this productivity method isn’t a thing of the past.

What Is Lean Six Sigma?

Lean Six Sigma serves three purposes: to eliminate wasteful processes, to decrease variations in processes, and to reduce defects or errors in processes. In short, this method is designed to make your workplace run more smoothly.

You and your company can undergo training in this method in order to implement it correctly. In the Six Sigma certification, there are different 'belts,' or levels you can achieve–just like in martial arts. 

After learning about the different belt levels, you may be asking yourself, “What is a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt?”This would be someone who’s able to contribute to projects as a team member. They understand the principles of Lean Six Sigma, but they have a ways to go in fully comprehending the method. A Yellow Belt has passed an exam that goes over the basics, but is not an expert in this philosophy.

Why Did It Become Less Popular?

Six Sigma was popular primarily because General Electric (GE) adapted it in 1995. As GE saw great success using this method, it became the 'next big thing' for business consultants and schools to teach. However, GE slowly started to do poorly as a company in the early 2000s, and as a result, Six Sigma began to fall out of style.

Another contributing factor is that the general population started to pick up on the method, which caused trendy companies to stop utilizing it.

So, Is It Still Relevant Today?

Lean Six Sigma is starting to make a comeback after falling out of the spotlight for a number of years. It’s being used in combination with other productivity tools, like AI. 

Today, Lean Six Sigma is used to help companies achieve modern goals, such as sustainability and quality healthcare. Some firms have adopted 'green Lean Six Sigma' to address these new concerns. Despite the method losing its popularity for some time, it’s still a highly effective tool for improving workplace safety.

In Conclusion

When a once-popular buzzword goes out of style, it’s easy to overlook it in favor of more fashionable methods. However, project managers still benefit from implementing Lean Six Sigma at their workplace.

With the proper training and certifications, you can reduce waste and errors in your company’s most important processes. To further improve workplace safety, you can utilize signs, floor tape, and 5S training tools–all offered by Creative Safety Supply. Browse our selection of workplace safety products today to reduce accidents and incidents at your company!