How do I know when to use which set of tools in a blended Lean Six Sigma approach?
Based on the nature of the problem being addressed, the appropriate Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques are applied. When the detailed solution and root causes are unknown and more advanced statistical tools are needed, the DMAIC method can be applied – this involves incorporating known Lean approaches in the Improve phase and executing the improvement in a project manner. When the detailed solution is unknown, less rigorous tools are needed, and a known Lean approach can be applied to address the problem, the Lean DMAIC method can be applied – this involves using mainly Lean tools throughout the DMAIC phases and executing the improvement in a Lean (kaizen or blitz) event.
