

Six Sigma methodology is a program that is a structured approach to solving organizational issues by reducing risk and eradicating variability. A Lean thinker can be anyone, and Lean is more effective when it is implemented from the ground up and integrated into an organization's culture. The continuous improvement methodology is used by lean thinkers which enables them to find ways to boost value and reduce waste. Lean is a mindset, a set of principles that, when applied holistically, enable decision-making. However, since the definition of the primary source of waste varies between these two approaches, so do the strategies used to achieve that objective. Different variations of Lean were created as western manufacturers started to adopt the principles and practices used by Japanese manufacturers.

History and Goalīoth contemporary Lean and Six Sigma methodologies were developed in complex manufacturing settings. This means that Lean practitioners prioritize process optimization to create value, whereas Six Sigma advocates strive to eliminate defects and waste by reducing variability. Waste in Six Sigma is caused by variation within a process. One key conceptual distinction between the Lean and Six Sigma methods is how practitioners of these methods identify waste: Waste is defined in Lean as any process or activity that adds no value to the customer. On the other hand, Lean Six Sigma combines both methodologies, resulting in a robust set of tools for effectively reducing waste. The main distinction between Lean and Six Sigma is that Lean is not solely focused on manufacturing, but rather encompasses every aspect of a business. Lean vs Six Sigma: Similarities and Differences
