Six Sigma Blog: Choose Wisely…

Choose Wisely…

Now that we have seen three methods of improving manufacturing processes by the reduction of waste, how do you decide when to use what?

Kaizen is best used when solutions demand simple answers that can be arrived at through common sense.

Lean manufacturing techniques are best applied to soft process areas like new product developments, distribution and logistics management, supply chain management, accounting and finance management, and customer service management.

Six Sigma comes into the picture for those opportunities with the most impact that result in the elimination of poor quality costs. Six Sigma focuses on the key operations of an organization and often results in annual cost reductions between 2 and 7 percent.