| In recent times, one of the most notable offshoots has | | | | measurable terms. |
| been none other than Lean Six Sigma - it is already | | | | Lean Six Sigma Software Tools |
| being touted as the next big thing in the world of quality | | | | Lean Six Sigma software tools use the very same |
| improvement concepts, methodologies and systems. | | | | concepts and techniques as described above, with the |
| It would not be wrong to say that Lean Six Sigma is | | | | only difference that achieving the desired objectives |
| an advanced version of older variations of Six Sigma, | | | | becomes a lot easier and faster with them. |
| because wherever possible it not only helps in reducing | | | | This automatically improves efficiency, one of the |
| the defect rate but also helps in improving overall | | | | primary objectives of Lean Six Sigma. Some of the |
| efficiency business processes by identifying and | | | | most commonly deployed Lean software tools include |
| eliminating unnecessary sub-processes. | | | | MiniTab, SixNet Intelligence, Six Sigma Calculator and |
| For this, Lean Six Sigma depends on a wide variety of | | | | RapAnalyst, which is used alongside Design of |
| tools and techniques, some of which are described | | | | Experiments (DOE) and data mining projects. |
| below. | | | | Judgmental Lean Tools and Techniques |
| Statistical Lean Six Sigma Tools and Techniques | | | | If Lean Six Sigma is described as a human body, then |
| There are many Lean tools available under this | | | | judgmental Lean tools and techniques would certainly |
| category, but the one that is most commonly used is | | | | be described as its backbone. This is so because |
| the CPM, short for Critical Path Method. Speaking of | | | | these tools play an important part in the |
| CPM, it is be worth mentioning that this tool was never | | | | decision-making process, wherein Six Sigma |
| designed specifically for Lean Six Sigma. | | | | professionals are required to identify reasons for |
| CPM was in use even before Lean concepts came | | | | common problems and also to devise effective |
| into existence, but experts categorize it as a Lean tool | | | | solutions for identified issues. |
| because its full potential was realized only when it was | | | | Some of the most common judgmental Lean tools |
| used during Lean Six Sigma implementations. CPM | | | | and techniques used by Six Sigma professionals |
| helps by scheduling the initialization and completion of | | | | include the Ishikawa Root Cause Analysis Diagram |
| each and every sub-process, something that makes it | | | | (Fishbone diagram), Thought Maps, Regulation |
| easier for Six Sigma professionals to keep track of | | | | Diagrams, and Brain Storming & Affinity Group |
| ongoing Lean process improvement projects. | | | | Tool. |
| Other Lean statistical tools that play an equally | | | | For achieving the desired Lean Six Sigma goals and |
| important role include FMEA (Failure mode and Effects | | | | objectives, all the above described tools are usually |
| Analysis), used for identifying and eliminating potential | | | | deployed simultaneously. However, it may vary |
| problems and issues, VOC Requirements Translation | | | | depending on the type of Lean Six Sigma |
| and Kano Analysis, both of which are utilized for | | | | implementation project and the preferences of Six |
| quantifying vague customer input and feedback into | | | | Sigma professionals. |