Coexistence of six sigma and lean sigma - Essay Example

This discussion paper will tackle the viability of both methods to coexist within the company and determine as well the elements and issues that might arise that may result to a conflict between Six Sigma and Lean Sigma. In the course on the discussion I have learned that Service-Quality Management plays an important role in the success of a company. It has been observed that companies share common practices such as strategic concept, Top-management commitment, high standards, and self-service technologies (SSTs).

Among these services, the High Standards for services and products is the practice which can be closely associated with the Six Sigma and Lean Sigma methods since its primary and ultimate goal is to provide the consumers with a 100% defect-free service. The former accuracy standard of 98% sounded impressive though when considering companies that operates in very large volumes of products and service, the said percentage will translate to a level that can still affect whether the company services will be seen by customers as merely good or if it is a breakthrough service (Kotler and Keller, 2009).

In addition, Six Sigma and Lean Sigma can also be applied to further develop a better and faster delivery system. This includes three levels of differentiation – reliability, resilience, and innovativeness. . ding the consumers with access to better information systems, introduce bar coding and mixed pallets, and provide other systems that would help the consumers. These systems include a customer interface system that would result to an optimal efficiency and effectiveness (Kotler and Keller, 2009).

Six Sigma and Lean Sigma will be an indispensible method to deduce the problems that is encountered by the company and help develop a more efficient and effective operations. Quality improvement can increase the profits of a business by reducing rework and scrap, thus creating a smooth production flow. While some companies are faced with the dilemma on choosing which ideology is perfect for process improvement, some companies are utilizing both Lean and Six Sigma. Six Sigma programs are focused and effective but it often takes months to finish.

It also creates elite Black Belts who are often disconnected from the department or workplace. On the hand, Lean initiatives are great for boosting productivity, changing cultures, and cleaning up practices. The companies that find the combination of lean/kaizen and Six Sigma methods as the most effective way to eliminate flaws have been successful in improving their production and continually improving the processes within the business (Smith, 2003). Alternative process design and improvement strategies can be deduced using a decision flowchart.

If the process is fundamentally flawed or new it will require a Business Process Design or a Design for Six Sigma. If the process is not that flawed or it is an existing process, the nature of the problem will have to be determined whether it has too much variation or if it has too much waste. Too much variation in the process will require the DMAIC approach of the Six Sigma while too much waste