The key to simpler, faster and more cost-effective Lean Six Sigma deployment is avoiding the “one size fits all" improvements trap that leads organizations to over-invest in Black Belt staffing and training, delays project completion and limits employee participation.

Rapid Lean Six Sigma employs a more practical approach that engages leaders to assess the level and scope of change required before committing resources to improvement projects. With Rapid Lean Six Sigma, teams are scaled to fit the improvement needed. No using a sledgehammer when a screwdriver will solve the problem.

The Rapid Lean Six Sigma Roadmap
The road to faster, more effective Lean Six Sigma results begins by adopting a continuous improvement philosophy that puts employees first. As depicted in the roadmap graphic, the starting point for all improvement projects is engaging leaders and employees to build ownership and momentum (versus meeting Champion and Belt training requirements).

Sorting improvement opportunities into four domains based on complexity and level of engagement matches projects to the right tools and readiness for change. Leadership Decisions and Rapid Action Projects capture the quick wins and clear the path for Breakthrough Projects which streamline processes through lean design. With process waste eliminated and results "in the bank", the more difficult Expert Study Projects requiring advanced statistical tools are more efficiently executed.

All along the Rapid Lean Six Sigma Roadmap, project teams apply the proven DMAIC problem solving model to ensure consistent, fact-based thinking. However, by following the principle of "engage, streamline and then, optimize" organizations avoid the long project cycle times and over-training typically associated with conventional Six Sigma deployments.