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With the help of Lean Six Sigma (LSS), businesses can innovate in numerous ways. LSS innovation entails using the right tools and methodologies to optimize operations.
Let's dive deeper into LSS and how it can help your organization succeed.
LSS combines the philosophies of Six Sigma and Lean to utilize various tools that drive innovation. Six Sigma involves improving process control while consolidating processes, while Lean is all about minimizing waste and streamlining workflows. Together, these philosophies combine to form LSS. As a result, this collaboration helps organizations achieve operational excellence to satisfy customers and increase efficacy.
LSS is critical for driving innovation, and it consists of a body of knowledge comprising several powerful tools that help organizations progress. Some examples of these tools include:
Using the Kano model, you can develop an innovative product roadmap based on the likelihood of satisfying your customers. Specifically, you can use surveying and innovation generation techniques to identify the four main quadrants of functions in features in your offerings. These quadrants include:
In the process, you'll be able to identify the elements your customers want most and innovate accordingly.
QFD derivatives offer powerful methods to identify what's truly important to your customers. For example, QFD entails listening closely to the customer's voice and providing the appropriate response to that voice based on the customer's wants and needs. As a result, you'll experience more effective production and product design using QFD. Ultimately, your team will more effectively meet or exceed customer expectations.
TRIZ helps innovate through effective problem-solving techniques and toolsets. For example, you can use TRIZ to better understand the specific problems you're facing and identify the best ways to overcome them. For instance, consider a situation where you become stuck at any point because of a particularly difficult challenge. TRIZ gives you the resources to move past them and continue to satisfy your customers.
DFSS uses the Six Sigma principles to further improve product and service design. This methodology and the derivatives of this line of thinking and analysis will help improve process capability, identify the most important Critical to Quality (CTQ) elements, and increase operational stability. Additionally, derivatives of DFSS include QFD, Voice of the Customer (VOC), and Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA).
This derivative of Define Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) is known in Six Sigma for its ability to help with project management and problem-solving. Additionally, DMADV primarily entails creating new products and services instead of optimizing existing offerings. However, DMADV could also help ensure existing offerings adhere to the Six Sigma principles.
Kaizen refers to certain "change for the better" projects among cross-functional teams. As a result, it's closely associated with a Lean approach that minimizes waste. Kaizen can help drive innovation and improve marketing effectiveness. Additionally, it helps fully realize the possibilities of creative thinking. With the help of Kaizen, you can improve all functions across your organization and supply chain, getting all employees involved.
The fact is, powerful innovation-driving tools have always been part of the fabric of LSS. With the right approach and LSS methodologies, you'll be able to continually improve your operations and keep your customers happy. Ultimately, the key is knowing what your business needs and implementing the strategies that will give you the best achievable results in the long term.
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