The Lean 5S quality tool has the following processes:
- Sort: Remove all items not needed for current production operations and leave only the bare essentials.
- Set in order: Arrange needed items so that they are easy to use. Label items so that anyone can find them or put them away.
- Shine: Keep everything in the correct place. Clean your workspace every day.
- Standardize: Perform the process in the same way every time.
- Sustain: Make a habit of maintaining correct procedures and instill this discipline in your team.
Within the Lean methodology, 5S helps you boost performance.
The final concept of Lean uses a Kanban scheduling system to manage production. The Kanban board uses cards that are moved from left to right to show progress and help your team coordinate the work.
Six Sigma is a methodology used to reduce variations by ensuring that quality processes are followed every time. The seven key principles of Six Sigma are:
- Always focus on the customer.
- Identify and understand how the work gets done. Understand how work really happens.
- Make your processes flow smoothly.
- Reduce waste and concentrate on value.
- Stop defects by removing variation.
- Involve and collaborate with your team.
- Approach improvement activity in a systematic way.
The largest difference between these methodologies is that Lean streamlines processes while Six Sigma reduces variation in products by building in quality from the beginning and inspecting products to ensure quality standards are met.