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Total Quality Management, or TQM, often comes down to caring for customers. The best companies operating today have figured out that taking care of customers is the best way to directly impact the bottom line. Of course, to get to this point, you need to have a strong culture that wants to help […]

Do Six Sigma and design thinking work together? Six Sigma is one of the leading methodologies for businesses around the world when it comes to things like efficiency and quality. Design thinking seems almost opposed to the design work done for services and products in the Six Sigma way of life. However, the […]

Ready to implement sustainability goals into your Lean Six Sigma projects? Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword touted around to imply green practices for businesses. You can make a true difference in the ecological condition of the planet with some careful planning and application of Lean and Six Sigma tools alike. So, with that […]

When you think about how technology has improved over the last hundred years, you can think about the car, the microwave, the television, smartphones, and so much more. Just as technology has improved our lives, it’s also doing something similar in the workforce and in the workplace.  When diving deeper into the workplace, […]

Lean Six Sigma and diversity are natural partners when looking at continuing current efforts or even starting brand-new projects. There is something to be said about what diversity brings to the table in a grander scope. Diversity is a wonderful thing, and something worth integrating into any workforce on a larger scale. So, […]

Keypoints Any time an organization looks to make changes using process improvement methodologies, it often meets heavy internal resistance from the “doers.” These individuals are responsible for instituting many of the internal changes, and unsurprisingly, as there is fear of the unknown, change is rarely easy.  This is an unfortunate but true reality, and it […]

The future of Lean Six Sigma is looking brighter than ever. Technological changes are nothing new, especially when we consider the rapid advancements in computing just over the last 40 years. That said, business methodologies and philosophies have to change right alongside things to make a difference. Lean Six Sigma is highly adaptable, […]

What future trends are driving innovation in Lean Six Sigma? Lean Six Sigma is in a state of constant evolution, as you might expect from the fast-paced markets in place these days. That said, it can be a bit difficult fully ascertaining the direction of things to come. There are a few things […]

One of the biggest challenges any company faces is employee turnover. Depending on the company’s size, the time and resources spent hiring, training, and upskilling employees and then having to do it again when an employee leaves can add up. For this reason, many organizations are looking at how they can combat employee […]

Is Six Sigma applicable for nonprofits? Well, given the sort of site we run here, we think Six Sigma is for everyone. That said, there are some prime targets for the methodology to make a splash and quite a difference when it comes to nonprofit organizations. So, with that in mind, let’s take […]

While the term “Hoshin Kanri” might not be well-known outside of corporate planning circles, it’s a very important idea nonetheless. Designed to get all employees in an organization moving in the right direction, Hoshin Kanri is a Japanese management methodology that has been around since the early 1960s. Some indicators place it origin […]

How do you build a customer-centric organization? When we focus on the methodologies, technology, and processes hard at work, we lose sight of how to make an organization work first for customers. However, customers are vital to any organization’s well-being, as they drive market trends and ultimately dictate what we make. With that […]

Six Sigma in government is an effective means of leveraging the methodology’s teachings to reduce waste and promote greater efficiency overall. Ultimately, a government is intended to serve the people. This can be done through the creation and maintenance of public works and outreach programs. However, given enough time, a government entity is […]

When you think about what it takes to improve processes and the methodologies you can improve from, there will always be fans of one method over another. This is very much the case when discussing design thinking versus DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), two methods often at the heart of a company […]

A culture of continuous improvement helps to make Six Sigma and sustainability a reality. The earth we live on is a precious resource. Beyond just the place we call home, it is also the environment we rely upon for food, shelter, nourishment, and even air to breathe. As such, it only stands to […]

In the world of total quality management, you have a philosophy that focuses on improving the quality and products of an organization while ensuring that every person inside the organization is on the same page. Not only does this require a chain of continuous work to improve, but it also demands a balance […]

The intersection of AI in Six Sigma shows that the methodology readily adapts to introducing new technologies. Rather than stagnating and sticking with traditional data analysis methods, AI in Six Sigma presents new opportunities for analysis, process improvement, and additional benefits. Further, when leveraging this technology, especially when speaking on bespoke models, artificial […]

Lean Six Sigma and Agile make for a potent combination when deployed in several different environments. However, one area where you can leverage this powerful combination for exemplary results is in software development. Software development is a tricky business sector to hem in, thanks in part to the actively shifting targeted goals of […]

If you’re looking for two perfect partners to work together to improve things, it’s the retail industry and Six Sigma. These ideal partners for success are not at all surprising, considering how much Americans love to shop. Introducing a data-driven methodology from Six Sigma can only improve efficiency across retailers to help increase […]

Lean Six Sigma in agriculture might just be the transformation needed for the world’s food supply. When you get right down to it, agriculture as a whole isn’t too different compared to the likes of manufacturing. You have all the hallmarks of your standard production line, with shareholders, inputs, suppliers, and so forth, […]

In what can only be described as one of the most competitive business environments in modern history, few things matter more than quality. Quality should be the absolute goal of industries everywhere, especially the service industry, where businesses focus not just on hospitality, like restaurants, but also on banks, hospitals, and even retail […]

Six Sigma and Agile are two of the major methodologies behind businesses these days. While today’s article title might lead you to believe this is a shootout of sorts, I didn’t have that in mind. Instead, when it comes to the question of Six Sigma vs. Agile, I was wondering where these methodologies intersect […]

The benefits are hard to ignore when you consider everything good about remote work, like having a better work/life balance and spending more time being productive rather than commuting. However, staying focused when working remotely is a very real challenge as many daily distractions can occur.  Thankfully, remote work and even hybrid work […]

The common mistakes found when implementing Lean Six Sigma are all too common for many businesses. When it comes to adopting a new methodology, it can be difficult to stick the landing as it were. Some of this can be attributed to resistance to change and a lack of proper change management behind […]

Quite a bit of noise has been made about AI, but artificial intelligence ethics require an equal amount of focus. Six Sigma is quick to embrace emerging modern technologies, making for more efficient and nimble organizations that can change with the times. Artificial intelligence is one such tool, with established stalwarts like ChatGPT […]

In the world of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT, it’s becoming more of a question of not what it can do but what it can’t do. There is little question that AI is going to have a transformative effect on business processes, and the signs of this are already showing.  Data analysis, automation, and […]

Are you using FMEA for your IT projects? There is no shortage of viable frameworks for risk management in enterprise technology applications. Ask a dozen technicians what they use in their shops, and you’ll likely get a dozen different answers. I’ve understood this since my time in the tech industry, as each deployment […]

Whenever you have to develop a strategic plan, you can use several methods to get the job done. However, one such strategic planning tool that often stands out is Hoshin Kanri, and it’s okay if you aren’t familiar with it, even though it might become your new favorite.  Generally used by the manufacturing […]

Is Lean Six Sigma in education even feasible? We often think of Lean Six Sigma as more at home in the confines of the manufacturing sector. There, you’ve got clearly defined inefficiencies, non-value-added activities, and so forth. However, there is certainly some merit in looking into how LSS applies to the education framework. […]

Is Lean Six Sigma for startups a viable strategy? Often, when we think of startups, it comes down to a lack of resources, a desire for funding, and ultimately, navigating the hurdles of the early days of a business. However, this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Startups benefit from a wealth […]

It won’t surprise anyone to learn that smart decision-making relies heavily on the accuracy of all available data. What also won’t be surprising is that traditional Total Quality Management systems have heavily relied on manual processes to bring about change, which isn’t likely to continue.  The rise of AI and automation has ensured […]

What are the 8 principles of TQM? TQM or Total Quality Management is a great way of driving continuous quality within an organization. It isn’t intended solely for products but can transform a business when properly implemented. However, that is only part of the equation when considering the move to this approach. Adhering […]

What common pitfalls in Scrum do people run into? Scrum has been one of the most popular approaches to Agile in recent memory, dominating the software industry for decades at this point. However, it isn’t always smooth sailing when it comes to adopting Scrum. As with any new methodology or approach, there can […]

If you’re working for any organization these days, big or small, there is a good chance that you have at least heard of Big Room Planning (BRP). While there are mixed reviews on whether Big Room Planning works, some companies and employees feel the opposite.  In the world of agile methodologies, Big Room […]

Scrum vs. Kanban: Which is the best for your Agile efforts? Agile comes in a few different flavors, depending on the workflow you’re after. Sometimes, this comes as organized sprints meant to do incremental work. Other teams might benefit from limiting workflow and focusing on the tasks at hand. Both of these approaches […]

How does Six Sigma for cybersecurity work? Cybersecurity is paramount for the day-to-day operations of any organization, regardless of the industry. When you consider the interconnectivity of all elements for even mom-and-pop businesses, practicing good digital hygiene is paramount for the continued success of your business. While we typically don’t think of Six […]

In the business world, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that how we work changes, and then changes all over again. For a period of time in modern history, using the waterfall methodology as a project management tool was a practical and compelling idea.  Fast-forward to today. The waterfall method and […]

While remote work was already expected to grow pre-pandemic, the global pandemic in 2020 opened the doors for companies worldwide to shift to a remote or hybrid work environment. This was good news for employees everywhere who wanted a better work-life balance.  For employers, remote work should make for happier and hopefully more […]

What value stream mapping examples can we pull from real life? Value stream mapping is one of the key tools for looking at how materials and resources flow through a workflow. However, when introduced to this visualization tool, it can be a bit hard to conceive of how it applies to a real […]

How do you create a learning organization with Six Sigma and organizational culture? A learning organization is a valuable means of fostering a culture centered around education. This can take several forms, but the overall intent is the same. Ultimately, you’re after a culture of improvement, self-reliance, and agility. So, with that in […]

Are you using Six Sigma for supply chain management? Just about any process can be improved, refined, and made into the best possible version of itself. Now, I’m a strong proponent of finding what works best for your organization and using it rather than following the crowd. However, I think Six Sigma is […]

When you think about all of the startups you are familiar with today, even giant brands like Facebook, YouTube, and Uber, they all made pivots at one point in their business. For better or worse, sometimes your business needs to change directions to ensure you can keep the lights on and look to […]

Is Six Sigma in education viable? We often talk about the applicability of Six Sigma to other industries. However, the benefits of this process improvement methodology are readily applied to other aspects of modern living. Education is one of our greatest assets, providing a stable foundation for the future workforce. Today, we’re going […]

One of the most promising advancements to the bottom line of companies worldwide has been digital transformation. For better or worse, the digital age has forced businesses to adopt technology to stay ahead of the competition and differentiate themselves from the very same competitors. In today’s business world, if you can’t differentiate yourself from […]

Is Six Sigma for startups viable? Typically, when we think of Six Sigma, we think of deployments of the methodology across enterprises. Large organizations have been the constant domain of Six Sigma since its development. Now, that isn’t to say that smaller organizations completely forego using Six Sigma principles. My time working with […]

Key Notes In today’s business world, innovation is one of the biggest differentiators in increasingly crowded market verticals. Companies seek to create distance between themselves and competitors through tools like design thinking.  While design thinking may have originally started as a way to create innovative and sleek products, it has since taken on a much […]

What does the future of Six Sigma hold? Business is ever-changing, especially when looking at the trends and market forces that push and pull in the modern era. However, Six Sigma is alive and well, flourishing some might say. Now, this isn’t down to just pure luck, but rather a proven track record […]

Today’s business landscape is more fast-paced and competitive than ever. As a result, companies are continuously looking for ways to keep up with the latest technological advancements or trying to create them themselves.  One tactic businesses use to gain an edge over the competition is the concept of “digital transformation,” which is a […]

What are the best tools for Agile? Agile as a methodology can seem somewhat freeform, despite following rather rigid planning. Further, since Agile projects are typically broken down into individual components, complex projects can spin out of control quite quickly. As such, it makes sense to employ solid and dependable tools for the […]

Six Sigma is a powerful methodology for process improvement and operational efficiency. However, its implementation often encounters obstacles due to common mistakes. This paper explores these pitfalls and provides specific examples and strategies to avoid them. 1. Lack of Clear Organizational Goals Mistake: Organizations often fail to align Six Sigma projects with strategic […]