By Craig Calvin

If you are looking to bring Lean Six Sigma into your business, it is important to know that the numerous tools associated with the process are the driving force behind Lean Six Sigma's success. Lean Six Sigma follows the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control, or DMAIC, project phases. Each phase has its own set of associated tools, that will drive the process, and ensure the success of your Lean Six Sigma projects. The first Lean Six Sigma phase, Define, is where opportunities for improvement are identified, and where the project scope and deliverables are defined. In the Define phase, there are several Lean Six Sigma tools that are used, the most important of which is the SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers) Diagram.

Following the Define stage is the Measure stage, where the existing processes within your business are measured, to baseline your current processing speed, cost and quality. This information is critical if you are hoping to find ways to improve efficiency and quality, and reduce costs. Again there are several Lean Six Sigma tools that are used to help you measure and analyze this data, like the value stream map and the complexity value stream map. In order to understand how to use these tools, and achieve the desired improvements, it is important that your project staff has the appropriate Lean Six Sigma training.

Throughout the Measure phase of your Lean Six Sigma project, the various maps that are created will provide a more detailed representation of your business then the overview that is provided by the SIPOC Diagram in the Define phase.

These are just some of the tools that will be used in a Lean Six Sigma project, throughout the first two phases of that project. Another important Lean Six Sigma tool, which used in every project phase, is a guide to manage the type and amount of data that will be collected by all of the other tools, called the Data Collection Plan.

Pareto Charts, Control Charts and various other charts will be used in the Lean Six Sigma projects as well. All of these tools are needed to implement a successful Lean Six Sigma process into a company.

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