I wrote in the previous post that the Lean Six Sigma framework is like a Rock-Paper-Scissors because we need to select a right problem-solving framework in three types depending on the type of the problem. The three types of problem-solving frameworks are Lean, Six Sigma, and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS).
I usually select the Lean framework when we need to continuously improve (or Kaizen) an existing process because the Lean is very flexible and able to apply to any size of organization from small to big. The Lean can also easily start anytime, however, it needs deep understanding of Lean principles and methodology. It also needs strong team work, otherwise the Lean project could not be success.
Like the Lean, the Six Sigma framework is apply to an existing process and an existing product for problem-solving and/or quality improvement. Unlike the Lean, the Six Sigma framework uses statistics and data analysis a lot because the Six Sigma framework is data-driven. The Six Sigma framework clearly defines the scope of problem and the targets (or goals) to achieve. Defining the problem and the targets could be the most difficult part in the Six Sigma project. If the definition is wrong, you couldn’t get a good result. In other words, if you have a good and clear definition of the project, the probability of your project success could be high.
But the Lean and the Six Sigma always come after a problem. Quality improvement for example, it’s too late to improve the quality of product after its production started. Even you could not achieve 6-sigma level of quality if you apply the Six Sigma after the production started. You need to apply the Six Sigma to design and development for robust design and high quality. That is the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) framework.
There is always an exception, and selection of problem-solving framework is the same. I was recently asked by a manager in Quality Assurance. He wanted his subordinate to pursue the DFSS Black Belt certification. The Black Belt certification needs not only a special training but an appropriate project. So the manager asked me about the project for the DFSS Black Belt certification.
According to him, the type of project was improvement (or Kaizen) of Quality Management Database and its process. The both database and process were already existing, and I thought that the Six Sigma could be the best problem-solving framework. But the manager wanted his subordinate to be a DFSS Black Belt.
To meet his request, I needed to re-define the project as the Development of Quality Management Database and Process, and tweaked the Six Sigma tools like as DFSS tools to meet the project requirement.
The tools in the frameworks (Lean, Six Sigma and DFSS) are flexible and can be applied to any problem-solving with some tuning. The DFSS for example, many people think the DFSS as a framework for product development. Actually the DFSS is used a lot by financial sectors such as bank and insurance companies. The Six Sigma is the same. The Six Sigma is used by not only manufacturing but service sector such as hospital, merchandising, and distribution companies. Flexibility is always important.