Key Points

• Data visualization is key to the decision-making needed in Lean Six Sigma.
• Tools should be selected based on ease of use, functionality, and integrations into current workflows.
• Many of these tools cater explicitly toward Lean Six Sigma, but others are well suited for any organization.

What data visualization tools are you leveraging for Lean Six Sigma? Lean Six Sigma relies heavily on the interpretation and use of data to make the most of your decision-making process. Looking at hard numbers on a computer screen can be a bit daunting, however. Ultimately, you’re looking to present the data in a way that promotes intelligent and informed decision-making.

To this end, we’re looking at some of the top tools of the trade for Lean Six Sigma. Some of these are likely familiar to seasoned practitioners. After all, many of these are industry standards for a reason. Others aren’t intended solely for Lean Six Sigma, but organizations can likely find a place for these to make a splash.

Data Visualization Tools at a Glance

A data visualization tool, or suite as they are sometimes referred, is a platform intended to create a visual representation of data. Your data is often just in a raw format, stored possibly in a referential database or spreadsheet of some sort. With a data visualization tool, you can harness that data and turn it into something more readily readable by the average person.

While you might be well-versed in the likes of reading over a SQL database or an Excel spreadsheet, that isn’t going to hold true for the rest of your intended audience. As such, it becomes paramount to deliver an easy-to-read means of portraying this data that the average person can parse.

What Matters Most for a Data Visualization Suite

What sort of criteria should you use to judge a data visualization tool by? Well, there are a multitude of reasons to choose any of the tools covered today. However, I would point out a few areas I would keep in mind when giving the tools covered today a test drive. First, you want an effective means of conveying complex information. Raw data can be difficult to read, even for someone who crunches numbers for a living.

Second, you’ll likely want something without an extensive learning curve. There is no shame in finding something that requires a bit of learning to use, but ease of use is going to make using the tool regularly a more pleasant task.

Finally, I’d consider what sort of charts or visual interpretations are available for a given data visualization tool. As you might imagine, there is no shortage of differences between some of these tools. While they might have the same core aim at the heart of their functionality, how they go about that can be quite different.

Data Visualization Tools for Lean Six Sigma

With some of the broader particulars out of the way, let’s take a closer look at some of the top tools in use for data visualization with Lean Six Sigma. Some of these are geared explicitly toward use by organizations that are leveraging Lean Six Sigma. Others are more general in use, intended for use by organizations that might be using different approaches or methodologies on the whole. However, they all serve the same general purpose of portraying data in a visually approachable manner.

Minitab

Minitab is something of a default choice for many organizations using Lean Six Sigma. This comes down to the fact that it is something with plentiful resources and a strong support base when it comes to learning how to best utilize it.

One of the added benefits of Minitab is how it readily integrates into remote workflows. Teams can access the functionality of the software simply through the cloud, provided the organization has an active subscription. This makes for a flexible and powerful data visualization tool that provides keen insights and rich visualization.

SigmaXL

SigmaXL is a plugin intended for use alongside Microsoft Excel. It makes for an ideal platform when you consider just how many organizations are leveraging Excel daily. What SigmaXL brings to the table is advanced functionality, boasting the ability to accommodate DOE, full factorial designs, and a full suite of graphical tools to interpret data.

It might be a little too feature-rich for some users, especially when you consider this isn’t quite the easiest platform to learn. However, for those well-accustomed to the Microsoft Excel workflow, you’ve got your work cut out for you. SigmaXL comes heavily recommended for new students to the LSS way of life.

JMP

JMP boasts of allowing for innovation through its use. This data visualization tool readily allows for rich interpretation of your data. This intuitive tool allows for interactive visualization and lets more technical users dive into its functionality to find complex relationships between data points.

JMP isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is certainly worth a look for a Lean Six Sigma organization. Industry titans like NVIDIA endorse its use, which should speak volumes about how powerful it is in the right hands.

EngineRoom

EngineRoom is a quick to learn, intuitive data visualization tool intended for Lean Six Sigma organizations. If you’re looking for something the cloud functionality, EngineRoom fits right alongside the likes of Minitab.

Beyond data visualization, EngineRoom allows for process modeling and automatic random sampling.

Tableau

Few data visualization tools have the same sort of cultural cachet as Tableau. Since its introduction, it has become something of a killer app when it comes to data visualization. It is easy to use, letting many users get up and running with minimal learning on their end.

Further, it allows for artificial intelligence to help take the reins. This new functionality is a recent addition to the data visualization tool, but it can help to take some of the load off when rushing through tasks.

Other Useful Tools and Concepts

Looking for something else to go with your morning coffee? You might want to take a closer look at the common myths surrounding TQM. Total Quality Management is prone to the same sort of misinformation that you’ll find with any business methodology. The truth is more nuanced, and we’ve got you covered.

Additionally, you might want to consider taking a closer look at the challenges you’ll face when implementing Lean Six Sigma in highly regulated industries. Working with regulatory bodies presents plenty of challenges, and learning how to leverage Lean Six Sigma might not seem immediately evident.

Conclusion

The common data visualization tools for Lean Six Sigma have their perks and drawbacks. I can’t tell you what is best, but I will say they are certainly worth a trial before purchasing one of these products. These are robust, rich tools, and they deserve a true evaluation.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Cast Of Thousands/Shutterstock.com.