iAuditor Lean Six Sigma Software

How to Apply Lean Six Sigma Using Software

Though many in the manufacturing industry are already familiar with the lean six sigma method, for those at a loss as to how to actually apply it in their business operations, here are a few steps to help you get started:

Collect Consistent Data

Before you can even begin improving your processes, you have to understand them first; and to do this, you need data. While gathering and organizing data can be time-consuming, it’s still an essential step since the backbone of lean six sigma is ultimately data. 

However, this does not necessarily mean that you have to start from scratch. If you already have solid documentation of your business processes and they’re on paper, you can use these valuable sources of information by converting them into digital files. 

If you do not have any valid records of your systems, then you can start by conducting an audit. There are many different types of audit and for many different industries. While audits are mostly third-party examinations of a business in order to assess its compliance with standards and regulations, businesses themselves may perform internal audits for process improvement.

Pinpoint Problem Areas

Now that you have all your data in one place, you can begin identifying areas or phases within the process where problems frequently occur. However, take note that the strength of this step relies on the robustness of your issue raising platform. After all, if day-to-day issues aren’t flagged by your employees, then neither you nor their manager would be able to see or notice that a problem needs to be solved.

Embrace Teamwork

For businesses that are looking to fully implement the lean six sigma method and not just apply some of the principles, one of the most important actions you need to take is to form a cross-functional team. While this may not be necessary for smaller-sized businesses or ones with a completely integrated workforce, it is crucial for medium to large-sized businesses with isolated departments.

When forming your cross-functional team for lean six sigma, you need to ensure that there is a knowledgeable representative from each department. This person must be adept at the previous and current processes that the department is using and have good communication and coordination skills. 

Grow with Change

While the earlier steps reviewed the effectiveness of your operations through analyzing your processes, this last step is focused on both attitude and action. For lean six sigma initiatives, it’s ideal for you, your employees, and their managers to have an open-minded attitude that is eager to change. Why? Because change brings about innovation if handled successfully.

However, while having the right attitude is a good start, it can only get you so far. Even if you have the best intentions and ideas, if your execution is lacking, then the impact of any solution you come up with is minimized to the point of only slighting improving a small part of the process. That’s why it’s critical to turn any issues you’ve encountered while doing lean six sigma into feasible actions that can be adapted to change.

Lean Six Sigma is Simple with iAuditor

Most of the lean six sigma software available today is overly complicated and confusing, resulting in employees becoming intimidated by the lean six sigma method in general. Unlike other digital tools, iAuditor by SafetyCulture makes it easy to use and understand the lean six sigma method. With our intuitive interface that’s beginner-friendly, you can start changing and improving processes in no time at all.