Lean Sigma [production and supply chain management]

Lean strategy brings a set of proven tools and techniques to reduce times, inventories, set up times, equipment downtime, scrap, rework and other wastes of the hidden factory. The focus is on value from a customer perspective and flowing this through the entire supply chain. The statistically based problem solving methodology of Six Sigma delivers data to drive solutions, delivering dramatic bottom-line results. In the Six Sigma school of study, a problem is tackled by a black or green belt, depending on the nature of the problem and the degree of complexity involved in the determination of solutions. The authors compare and contrast the lean and Six Sigma approaches, and find that greater benefits can be reaped by blending the best of each.