Six Sigma Terms You Should Know
This Lean Six SigmaSix Sigma Definition: Six Sigma is a set of techniques and t... Learn More... Glossary is designed to help professionals quickly find your levelStatistics level A statistics level is the value of input in... Learn More... of LeanLEAN Definition LEAN is a production method aimed primarily ... Learn More... Six SigmaSix Sigma Definition: Six Sigma is a set of techniques and t... Learn More... terms online. It will allow them to search for these lean six sigma terms, and get an idea of their impact on kaizen quality control, processThere are many ways to organize your lean six sigma processe... improvement, and other topics levels. We hope that you find this useful.
Combining Six Sigma’s data-driven approach and Lean ManufacturingLean manufacturing (also known as lean production, just-i... Learn More..., you can create a framework that is truly exemplary. Lean Six Sigma belt level practitioners have proven to be a powerful ROI over the years. More than half of Fortune 500 companies have adopted the framework.
Numbers
- 5 whysThe 5 Whys Technique: Origins The 5 Whys steps method was de... Learn More... is a method to identify the root cause of a problem. Each answer serves as a platform for the next iterative question and discussion until the defectA defect is a physical, functional, or aesthetic attrib... Learn More... or root causes are finally identified.
- 5SLean 5S Visual Management Training The Lean 5S training tool... Learn More... is a five-step process that was first popularized in Japan. It aims to create a workplace that is efficient and effective. These five steps are Seiri, Seiton (Straighten), Seiso(Shine), Seiketsu [Standardize], and Shitsuke (“Sustain”).
- 6 M’s lists the six elements that can cause variation in almost all processes: Man (machine), Material, Method, and Measurement) and Mother Nature (the term 5M1P is used to replace “man”, which is more gender-neutral, with “people”.
- 6sLSS practitioners have long used the Lean Six Sigma (LSS), t... Learn More... stands for Six Sigma. The symbol “s”, which is lowercase for the Greek letter Sigma (uppercase S), is used in Statistics to indicate standard deviation and to grade the maturity of a process. A maturity of 6s means that a process produces defect-free products 99.99966%of the time.
- 7 QC Tools, also called Seven Basic Tools for Quality, is another lean six sigma term that is a method that Professor Kauru Shikagawa of Japanese Engineering recommends for quality and process improvement. These tools and techniques include 1) Cause & EffectIt's the change in the average value of the output caused by... Learn More... Diagrams; 2) Check Sheets; 3) Control Charts; 4) Histograms; 5) Pareto Charts. 6) ScatterWhat is a Scatter Plot and how can i practice it? Also known... Learn More... Diagrams. 7) Stratification Charts.
- 8D8D Meaning (or Eight disciplines problem solving) is a metho... Learn More... stands for Eight Disciplines8D Meaning (or Eight disciplines problem solving) is a metho... Learn More... for Problem-Solving. It is a transparent and collaborative framework for solving complex problems. These eight steps/disciplines include D1: Establish a team, D2: Describe and Verify the Root Causes, and D4: Develop a Containment plan. D5: Verify permanent solution, and D6: Define Corrective Actions. D7: Prevent recurrence. D8: Congratulate your team.
- 8 Wastes is another lean six sigma term that is the eight main types of outcomes or actions that aren’t required to complete a process satisfactorily or produce desired outputs. The 8 wastesMuda (無駄, on'yomi reading) is a ... Learn More... can be summarized using the acronym DOWNTIME (DefectsMuda (無駄, on'yomi reading) is a ... Learn More.... OverproductionMuda (無駄, on'yomi reading) is a ... Learn More..., WaitingMuda (無駄, on'yomi reading) is a ... Learn More.... Non-utilized talent, Transportation. InventoryMuda (無駄, on'yomi reading) is a ... Learn More... Excess. MotionMuda (無駄, on'yomi reading) is a ... Learn More... WasteMuda (無駄, on'yomi reading) is a ... Learn More.... Excess processing).
A
- AccuracyIn a set of measurements, accuracy is closeness of... Learn More... refers to the difference between measured and actual values.
- An Action plan simplifies the process of documenting tasks and task owners as well as methods and task schedules that are associated with a campaign, project, or initiative.
- Affinity charts can be visuals that organize large amounts of data based on their relationships (affinity or similarity). Often called affinity diagrams, affinity graphs make complex problems easier to understand by breaking them down into smaller parts and grouping related or similar components together.
- AgileLean agile allows teams to identify and eliminate waste whil... Learn More... could refer to an adaptive, cross-functional, customer-centric approach in software development/project management. Or, it may be used to describe an organization whose processes and tools are able to adapt to change while ensuring quality control and cost control.
- The Alternative path method provides alternative methods to reach the same result.
- The Analyze phase is another lean six sigma term and is the third stage of the DMAICDMAIC is an abbreviation of the five improvement steps it co... Learn More... cycle. It identifies the root cause(s).
- AndonAndon Board Andon board is a system that informs employees ... Learn More... is a Japanese term for manufacturing that refers to an alert communication system or signaling system, which allows rapid response to problems within a system or process.
- ANOVAAn analysis tool in statistics called Analysis of Variance (... Learn More... stands for Analyze Variance. It is a statistical test that determines if there are significant differences between two sets of data.
- Approval is an important step in many processes. It requires review and approval. Approval takes longer and is more difficult.
- Attribute dataThere are two types of data: things that we measure and thin... Learn More... can refer to either 1) a binary type (also known as Qualitative Data), whose value cannot be more than one of two options (e.g. yes/no or true/false. Pass/fail. etc.). 2) A type of data (aka Discrete DataMany businesses use quantitative data to assess the performa... Learn More...), whose values can only be whole numbers, such as the number of users of defects or complete cycles.
- Autonomy ( also known as Jidoka ) is a type of “smart automation” that stops or deactivates itself when certain, abnormal conditions are present. This allows workers to examine and solve the problem. The concept was developed by SakichiToyoda around the 19th century and became one of the foundations of Toyota’s production process. The four steps of autonomy are: 1) Detect the anomaly, 2) Stop the process/machine, 3) Fix it, and 4) Investigate and implement a countermeasure.
- AverageA synonym for “mean”: the sum of a set of values divided... Learn More... (also Mean) is another lean six sigma term that refers to the mathematical result that is obtained when the sum of two values is divided by the number of elements within the set in kaizen.
B
- Bartlett’s TestIn statistics, Bartlett's test, named after M... Learn More... uses statistical methods to identify the root cause of a problem.
- Bias refers to the tilt, leaning, or the tendency of a measured amount compared with the actual value. If the measured value is different from the actual value, the bias is either positive (or negative).
- A Black BeltSix Sigma Black Belt A Certified Six Sigma Black Belt can be... Learn More... is the second highest level of Lean Six Sigma practitioners. It refers to a person who has attained such competency. Six Sigma Black Belts serve as full-time leaders of teams and are responsible for solving problems.
- A Bottleneck is another lean six sigma term that refers to a point in the flow process where normal or acceptable flow is impeded by abnormally high volume or limited capacityCapacity refers to the maximum amount of work, output, or a ... Learn More... of the system to process such volume.
- A Box PlotHow do box plots work? Box plots make it easy to visualize t... Learn More... or Whisker PlotHow do box plots work? Box plots make it easy to visualize t... Learn More... are ways to visualize a data set in four parts or quartiles.
- Breakeven Analysis allows you to determine the minimum number of subscriptions that are required to cover your total costs.
- A Business case is a term that denotes a justification or rationale for a specific action, decision, product, or service.
C
- C-Charts are visualizations of data groups used in defectDefective definition in Six Sigma: A defective unit is one t... Learn More... tracking.
- CAPACAPA, or Corrective And Preventive Action, is a methodologic... Learn More... stands for Corrective ActionCorrective action (also known as a Corrective Action Plan (C... Learn More... and Preventive Action.
- A Cause and Effect DiagramWhat is a "Cause and Effect Diagram"? A cause-effect diagram... Learn More... is another lean six sigma term that shows all variables in kaizen (causes, factors, etc.). A cause-and-effect diagram is a visual representation of all variables (causes, factors, etc.) that could affect a particular quantity (output or problem). It is often referred to as Fishbone Diagram because the resulting image looks like a fish. Sometimes it is called Ishikawa Diagram, after its creator.
- Change Management is a set of actions, methods, and processes that support individuals and teams during organizational change.
- Common Cause VariationIn Lean Six Sigma, a control chart can display two types of ... Learn More... refers to a type of variation that is either predictable or natural in a system.
- A Control ChartControl charts, also known as Shewhart charts (aft... Learn More... is a tool for statistical process controlWhat Is Process Control? Process control systems refer to th... Learn More.... consists of a centerline and statistically determined upper or lower control limitsA control limit chart definition is made up of many parts.&n... Learn More....
- Continuous dataContinuous data is a type of data that can take on any value... Learn More... can be of any value. Distinctive data can only have whole numbers.
- Continuous improvementContinuous improvement (or Kaizen) is a way to identify oppo... Learn More... refers to a mindset and actions that are intended to improve the organization’s products and processes.
- The correlation coefficientA correlation coefficient is a numerical meas... Learn More... is a measure of the relation between two variables.
- Cost Of Poor QualityCost of Poor Quality Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) is a term u... Learn More... (COPQCost of Poor Quality Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) is a term u... Learn More...). refers to the unneeded expenses (such as product recalls, process delays, rework, and warranty costs) that are incurred by an organization because of product defects or process inefficiencies.
- A Countermeasure is an action or plan that aims to address a problem even if it is temporary.
- CpCpk and Cp are short-term capability measures for a particul... Learn More... refers to Process CapabilityProcess capability is a statistical measure that measures th... Learn More..., which is the statistical symbol that represents Process Tolerance. It is calculated as the ratio between process variance and tolerance.
- Critical to Quality (CTQ)Critical to Quality (CTQ) is a term used in the field of qua... Learn More... refers to any quantity, element, or attribute that has an impact on the quality of a product/system.
- Critical is a system or process input that has a significant impact on one or more of the outputs.
- A Cross-Functional Map shows how the process flows across departments and functions. Also known as a Wimlane, or D Employment Map.
- A customer is anyone who uses a product or service of an organization.
- The time Cycle refers to the time taken from the start to the finish of a process.

D
- A Defect is any process output that does not meet a pre-defined standard or requirement. This includes color, quantity, dimensions, and temperature. A defectiveDefective definition in Six Sigma: A defective unit is one t... Learn More... product or service with at least one defect.
- Defect Opportunities is another lean six sigma term that refers to any instance or event where the substandard output (defects) may occur.
- The Definition Phase of the DMAIC Method involves clearly and accurately defining the problems and customer requirementsCustomer requirements are the specific needs, wants, or expe... Learn More... as well as the scope and improvement goals for a project or initiative.
- DFSSDesign for Six Sigma (DFSS) (Also known as DMADV) is an En... Learn More... is Design For Six Sigma. It applies Lean Six Sigma level principles to product/service design with the goal of increasing performance, managing costs, and optimizing value.
- Discrete DataMany businesses use quantitative data to assess the performa... Learn More... is a type of quantity whose values cannot be expressed in whole numbers (such as the number defect). Variable/ data like velocity, weight, and distance, can have any numerical value.
- DMADVDMADV is an acronym that stands for Define, Measure, Analyze... Learn More... is an acronym for Define. Measure. Analyze. Design. Verify. This Lean Six Sigma method allows you to design new products and processes.
- DMAIC stands for Define. Measure. Analyze. Improve. Control. are the five phases of Lean Six Sigma that help to solve business and process problems.
- DOWNTIME (Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Non-utilized Talent, Transportation, Inventory Excess, Motion Waste, Excess Processing) is the acronym for the 8 types of wastesMuda (無駄, on'yomi reading) is a ... Learn More... in the Lean ManufacturingLEAN Definition LEAN is a production method aimed primarily ... Learn More.../Enterprise framework.
- DPMODPMO is one of a few important Six Sigma metrics that you sh... Learn More... ( Defects Per Million Opportunities) is a Six Sigma key metric. It refers to total defects per million defect opportunities.
- DPUDefects per Unit (DPU) is a measure of process quality in Si... Learn More... ( Defects Per UnitDefects per Unit (DPU) is a measure of process quality in Si... Learn More...) is The total number of observed defects in a particular class of units divided by the total number.
E
- Error proofingError Proofing In Japanese, 'Poka-Yoke (pronounced Po-kaa-Yo... Learn More... is any process, device, or mechanism that eliminates defects by detecting, preventing, or correcting them. Also known as Mistakeproofing (Yoke), which was invented by Quality Control and Lean Manufacturing pioneer Shigeo Shigo.
- Error-Proofing Techniques refer to the four main approaches to errorStatistics error The dual dimension of error statistics is p... Learn More... control that Shigeo Shingo recommends: Elimination (flagging), Facilitation (and mitigation).
- Efficiency refers to the degree to which a process’s output meets customer expectations or conforms to specifications.
- Extra Processing refers to the addition of features or production of an output that exceeds customer specifications or quality standards.
- External Failure happens when defective items are passed through the process and reach customers. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction.
F
- A Facilitator is another lean six sigma term that acts as an intermediary to facilitate collaboration among all involved in a process improvement effort, project, or initiative.
- FMEA ( Fail Modes and EffectIt's the change in the average value of the output caused by... Learn More... Analysis ) is a risk management tool that allows you to analyze potential failures in terms of occurrence, severity, and detection.
- Force Field AnalysisForce Field Analysis The force field analysis is an importan... Learn More... is a method of brainstormingDefine Brainstorming Imagine that you are faced with a task ... Learn More... similar to building a Pros and Cons table. Here all factors that support or against an idea are gathered and weighed and analyzed.
- Four Absolutes of Quality Management Refers to the four main attributes of quality as defined by Philip Crosby:
- Conformance to requirements is quality.
- Prevention is the key to quality
- Quality performance standard has zero defects
- The price for non-conformance is a quality measurement
- A Future Map is a visual plan that visually maps the desired state (zero wasted) for a process.
G
- Gage R&RWhat is Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility? Gage Repeata... Learn More... is a test to determine the level of variation in a measurement system relative to the total variation.
- A Gallery Walk is an area where Lean Six Sigma projects and improvement ideas can be formally displayed to educate a wider audience. Sometimes it is called the Solution Parking Lot.
- Gemba is another lean six sigma term that is a Japanese term that means “real place”, and refers to a space where work actually happens.
- A Goal statement defines the desired outcomes of a process-improvement effort.
- A Green BeltThe Six Sigma Green Belt is a certificate that professionals... Learn More... is a Six Sigma competency level. It refers to someone who has completed approximately two weeks of training in DMAIC. Six Sigma Green Belts are part-time support workers and typically handle smaller-scoped projects.
H
- A Handoff refers to any point at which control/management of products, or certain aspects of the processing change ownership (i.e. hands).
- Help-Hinder can be used to identify operational or workflow problems within a group. Each member must cite instances in which they helped facilitate (help) the process, as well as instances when they hinder (hinder). To maximize efficiency, the goal is to bring together all members of the team.
- Hidden FactoryHidden Factory The Hidden Factory refers to the activit... Learn More..., also known as Hidden Plant or Hidden Operation, refers to a phenomenon that Quality Control pioneer Armand Feigenbaum discovered. This is where untracked, inefficient waste (time, effort, and materials) accumulates in manufacturing plants due to additional corrective work required to fix defects (things that should have been done correctly the first time).
- A Hetogram is a chart that shows the frequency distributionUsed for determining the confidence interval for means or fo... Learn More... for a data set.
- Historical Parameters provide baselineA baseline measurement method, also known as "the before mea... Learn More... data that can be used to track progress, measure change, or compare an existing system state with a newer one.
- Huddle meetings are short meetings that last around 15 minutes and are designed to help team coordination. Huddles are for the sharing of pertinent reports.
- A Hypothesis statement is a reasonable conjecture which identifies or describes the possible causes of defects in the process.
- Hypothesis testing is another lean six sigma term that is the process of verifying that an assumption or statement regarding a data set is true.
I
- An IMR ChartWhat is the I-MR Chart? Walter Shewart introduced the IMR ch... Learn More... ( Individual & Moving RangeIn statistics, the range of a set of data is the differenc... Learn More... Chart ) is another lean six sigma term that shows averages and variations within a process. The I component detects trends and shifts in data, while the MR component displays short-term variability.
- An implementation team is a cross-functional group that is responsible for driving Lean Six Sigma implementation. It focuses on defining, documenting, and executing processes and policies that aim to eliminate defects.
- Based on previous stages’ information, the Improvement Phase of the DMAIC method helps identify opportunities for improvement.
- Improvement Kita is a technique for promoting positive behavior change. It facilitates the actual transition from one state to another. Also known as Improvement Route.
- An Input is a resource that is used in a process or system.
- Inspections are procedures that inspect a product or process for defects. Lean Six Sigma aims to make processes error-proof to reduce the need to inspect and rework.
- Institutionalization is the process of making process improvements permanent through behavioral, cultural, and procedural changes.
- Internal Failure is any defect that has been found and corrected before it reaches a customer.
- Inventory is a list of materials and units that have not been delivered or used for a specified period. Major waste is inventory excess. It can hinder capital flow and takes up valuable space.
J
- Jidoka refers to a Japanese term for a type of “smart automation” that can deactivate itself or stop a process when certain, abnormal conditions are present. This action allows humans to solve the problem by using their human skills (also called Autonomation).
- Just-In-Time is a method or system for delivering the correct items at the right place, at the appropriate time, and with the right measures.
K
- Kaizen, a Japanese term that combines the concepts of goodness (zen) and change (kai), is Kaizen. Kaizen has become synonymous with “continuous improvement” in the lean six sigma corporate world.
- To facilitate optimal collaboration, a Kanban Board (from Japanese “signpost”) is used to visually track and visualize tasks and workflows.
- A Kano Model is an illustration that illustrates what customers get in terms of a), basic features, performance items, and c) “delighters.”
L
- Lead time is the time between the moment an order is placed and the moment it is delivered.
- Lean provides a framework to eliminate waste in manufacturing, software development, and enterprise management. Toyota’s production system is the origin of much of Lean and Kaizen in the six sigma world. A Lean culture encourages process improvement and leaders in organizations to support workers in fixing systemic issues they face in their work.
- Lean Six Sigma blends the principles and aims of the Lean framework (zero waste), and the Six Sigma model (60% system predictability, minimal variation). Lean Six Sigma promotes continuous improvement and employs Kaizen and DMAIC approaches for organizational change.
- Linearity is a variation (consistency or bias) between a standard or “baseline truth”, across all expected values.
- The lower Limit is the limit that is usually three standard deviations below the average and above which, a process can be considered to be under control.
- A lower Specification limit is the lower limit for a product or property. Anything below this level will be considered unacceptable.
M
- Master Black BeltThe utmost level in the Six Sigma hierarchy is the Master Bl... Learn More... – This is the highest level of Lean Six Sigma competency for someone who has achieved this level. Master Black Belts mentor, support and provide leadership to fellow Belts.
- Measurement System analysis allows you to evaluate the precision and accuracyPrecision refers to the agreement between the measured quant... Learn More... of specific measurement methods. Also known as MSAA measurement systems analysis (MSA) is a thorough... Learn More..., Gage R&R.
- The MedianIn statistics and probability theory, the median is the... Learn More... is the number, quantity, or value at the midpoint in a data frequency distribution.
- The moment of Truth is the moment when a customer makes a decision about a process.
- MoSCoW stands for “Must Have, Should Have, Could have, and Would have”, a way to classify features according to importance or priority.
- Motion waste is another lean six sigma term that refers to the inefficient movement of business inputs. They can be eliminated if the process is optimized. Motion waste is one of the 8 major types of waste ( DUPTIME).
- MudaMuda (無駄, on'yomi reading) is a ... Learn More... is the Japanese term meaning “waste” and can refer to any product or process that does not add value to the customer’s vantage point.
N
- “n” is commonly used to indicate the number of data in statistical formulas or calculations.
- “N” is a common name for people in statistical computations.
- Non-Utilized Talent is an unwelcome waste that is included in the 8 Wastes of Lean Manufacturing.
- Non-Value Adding Activities are processes that often exemplify any one of the 7 Lean Six Sigma wastes. These include rework and unnecessary movement. These non-value-adding activities can increase business costs and prolong production times.
- Normal Distribution is another lean six sigma term that is a statistical distribution that features a gentle bell-shaped curve.
- To verify that a sample is normal, a Normality test can be used.
- An nP chartWhat is an NP chart? Attribute Chart (np chart) is the contr... Learn More... monitors the percentage of defective items within consistently-sized data sets.
O
- An Operational Description describes the item or quantity, as well as the process and parameters in which it will be collected, measured, or used.
- Output refers to an item, characteristic, or resource that is produced by a process.
- Overproduction can be considered a significant waste in the Lean Manufacturing framework.
P
- A P chart is used to track the percentage of units with defects within a set of discrete data.
- A Paraeto Chart shows the frequency and percentage of occurrences in a graph. The Lean Six Sigma level environment refers to defective units or defects.
- The Paraeto Principle holds that a large proportion of outcomes can be attributed to a limited number of factors. The principle, also known as the 80/20 rule after Vilfredo Pareto (an Italian economist), states that only 20% of outcomes can be attributed to a small number of causes.
- PDCA is another lean six sigma term that stands for Plan, Done, Check, Act. It can also be rendered as PDSA, (Plan Do Study Act).
- Perfection refers to the continuous improvement process that Lean Six Sigma and other related frameworks encourage.
- A Pilot refers to a limited deployment of Lean Sigma Six solutions for the purpose of verifying their effectiveness in solving a problem. Pilots participate in the Improve phase to verify root cause hypotheses and avoid taking on excessive risks and costs.
- Poka-Yoke means “error-proof” in Japanese. Poka-yoke is used in Lean Six Sigma level to prevent human error or establish reliable alarm systems that warn of any potential defect-causing factors.
- Process Cycle EfficiencyProcess Cycle Efficiency is also known as the "Value Added R... Learn More... is an indicator that helps prioritize improvement opportunities. It is calculated by dividing the total lead time by the process’ value-addedAn activity that adds value to a product or business process... Learn More... time.
- Process Improvement The overriding goal of Lean Six Sigma is to reduce errors, waste, and costs in kaizen.
- The Project Charter sets out the key details, intentions, and other important components of your project, like a roadmap. It is also used to create a contract between the sponsor and the team that will be implementing the project.
- The project is the main output of the process being improved.
- The proportion of deficient units in a population is expressed as a percentage.

Q
- QDIP stands for Quality, Delivery, and Inventory.
- Quality refers to a metric that indicates whether a product or process meets customer expectations.
- QFD stands for Quality Function Deployment. This is a process that integrates customer requirements into all aspects of product design, delivery, and maintenance.
- A Quartile refers to 25% of a set of data that has been divided into four. Quartiles can be used to analyze trends, rank performance or identify causes that increase or decrease process efficiency.
R
- R&R is another lean six sigma level term that stands for repeatabilityFor executives who want to improve their company's quality, ... Learn More..., and reproducibilityFor executives who want to improve their company's quality, ... Learn More... and is the key metric used in measurement system analysisA measure of the variation in accuracy or precision of a mea... Learn More... in kaizen.
- is a matrix that helps to strengthen accountability for various aspects of a project. It stands for Responsible Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.
- Range refers to the “spread”, or the sum of the highest and lowest values in a data set.
- Repeatability describes a situation in which a single person receives the same results from every measurement session.
- ReproducibilityReproducibility in statistics Reproducibility in statistics ... Learn More... describes a situation in which multiple people get the same results each time.
- Rework refers to the effort and related resources required to correct a product or process defect.
- Rolled throughput yield is a measure that shows the percentage of units that pass a process without any defects.
- Root Cause Analysis identifies the root cause of a problem.
- Root cause Hypothesis can be used to identify the root cause of a problem. It is part of the Analyze Phase of the DMAIC framework.
- RPN stands for Risk Priority NumberDefinition: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a s... Learn More.... It is an acronym that refers to a cumulative failure rating. This score covers severity, detection, frequency, and detectability.
- RUMBA is a set criterionBenchmarking This is a method to find the best performing sy... Learn More... that validates customer requirements. It stands for Reasonable. Understandable. Measurable. Believable.
S
- S stands for standard deviationCumulative probability of a normal distribution with expecte... Learn More.... This is a measure that quantifies variation or dispersion in a data set.
- Seven Essential Tools of Quality is a list of Lean Six Sigma level tools that Kaoru Ishikawa recommends for their simplicity in comparison to other statistical techniques. These tools are: 1) Fishbone diagram, 2) Check SheetA check sheet is a basic tool that once belonged to the seve... Learn More..., 3) Control ChartA control limit chart definition is made up of many parts.&n... Learn More..., 4) Histogram, 5) Pareto ChartPareto chart analysis can be used to make business decisions... Learn More..., 6) Scatter Diagram, and 7) Flow Chart/Stratification.
- Sigma Score is a statistical measure of process capabilityProcess capability is a statistical measure that measures th... Learn More.... It is the difference in standard deviations (sigma levels) between the process’s center and the nearest specification limit. You can also call the Sigma Score Z.
- SIPOCLean Six Sigma SIPOC stands for Suppliers' Inputs Process Ou... Learn More... stands for Suppliers’ Inputs Process Outputs and Customers. It is a high-level view of a common business process. Sometimes it is rendered as COPIES.
- Six Sigma provides organizations with data-driven techniques, tools, and strategies to improve their processes with kaizen and lean strategies. Six Sigma is a process improvement tool that reduces variability and defects. It also aims to improve output quality and drive process performance. Six Sigma Implementation roles are a set of responsibilities Six Sigma practitioners take on as leaders and agents for organizational change. These roles are tied to the framework’s belt-based competency system. These roles are implemented by the framework: 1) Six Sigma ChampionA Champion in a Six Sigma initiative is the executive sponso... Learn More..., 2) Six Sigma ChampionA Champion in a Six Sigma initiative is the executive sponso... Learn More... and 3) Six Sigma MasterBlack Belt, 4) Six Sigma Black Belts, 5), Six Sigma Green Belts, 6) Six Sigma Yellow Belts, and 7) Six Sigma white Belts (beginner level).
- A Solution Parking Lot is an area for highlighting improvements and achievements throughout the lifecycle of a Lean Six Sigma project. It’s also known as a Gallery Walk.
- A Specific Cause Variation is a process variation that occurs non-randomly but irregularly, which can reduce process predictability.
- SQDC stands for Safety, Quality Delivery, and Cost.
- Stability refers to the characteristic of a process that describes its ability to withstand any kind of variation or change.
- Standard Deviation is another lean six sigma term that shows how the average level of data values differs from the mean in kaizen.
- Stratification is a way to analyze data that has values that are divided into strata or layers.
T
- The Taguchi loss function was developed by Genichi Taguchi in order to explain the relationship between quality, variance, and customer dissatisfaction. Taguchi says that quality loss is a parabolic curve. This means that the customer does not see the quality drop suddenly, but rather it depends on how the product differs from their expectations.
- Genichi Taguchi’s framework for quality control, the Taguchi method, aims to satisfy customer expectations by reducing variation and cost. This framework includes several statistical methods, including those for system design and testing.
- Takt timeTAKT Time Definition Takt time, or simply Takt, is a manufac... Learn More... is a German term describing the production rate required to meet customer demand. This is not the time taken to complete a unit, but rather the average time between the end of completing one unit and the end of the next.
- TOC stands for Theory of Limits. It is an acronym that refers to the Theory of Constraints. This mantra states, “A chain is only as strong and weak as its weakest link.” The concept applies to organizations and processes. Eliyahu Goldratt introduced the theory and it was adopted by those who advocate process improvement, project management, and organizational change.
- Lean Manufacturing advocates have adopted the Toyota Production SystemTPS – The Toyota Production System The Toyota Production ... Learn More... template to reduce process waste and conserve resources. It promotes the identification of root causes and solving problems. Also known by the acronym TPSTPS – The Toyota Production System The Toyota Production ... Learn More....
- TQM stands for Total Q Management. This acronym was created in 1980 to foster a culture that promotes continuous improvement within organizations.
- Transportation is one of 8 production wastes in the Lean Six Sigma kaizen level environment. It is the act of moving products from one point to another in the production process. Some touches and moves are unnecessary and add to the waste.
- Trend refers to a value’s systematic and biased change relative, such as time.
- The trimmed mean is the resulting means value of a data collection, sample, or population where outliers were removed.
- TSSW stands for Thinking The Six Sigma Way. It is a work mentality that encourages continuous improvement and uses Lean Six Sigma principles to solve simple and complex business problems.
U
- A U-chart diagram shows how a process changes over time. It is represented in terms of the number of defects found in a sample.
- The upper Limit is the upper limit. It usually consists of three standard deviations higher than average. Below which, a process can be considered to be under control. It is also known as UCL.
- The upper specification limit is the upper limit that can be set for a product or property. Anything above this level will be considered unacceptable.
- Upstream is a term that describes activities, touchpoints, and processes that chronologically precede an item or process.
V
- Value-Adding Activities provide a set of steps that ensure that a product or service is completed in accordance with customer expectations.
- Analyse Value This refers to the classification of process steps or activities into one of three categories.
- Activities that add value
- Non-Value Adding Activities
- Value-Enabling Activities
- Value-Enabling activities are required steps, such as regulatory compliance, but don’t directly add value to the product from a customer’s perspective.
- Variability refers to the property that an item, system, or process has to assume or display different values.
- Variance refers to the degree of variability within a data set. Variance in statistical equations is the square of standard deviation.
- Variation refers to the consistency of an output/data set. Lean Six Sigma level seeks to decrease variation and increase predictability in kaizen efforts.
- Voice of the BusinessWhat does VOB stand for? VOB stands for expectations and nee... Learn More... refers to the organization’s priorities, including profitability and revenue.
- Voice Of The CustomerVoice of the customer (VOC) refers to the detailed process ... Learn More... (VOCVoice of the customer (VOC) refers to the detailed process ... Learn More...) refers to customers’ needs and wants, including service requirements and customer expectations.
- Voice of the ProcessLean Six Sigma Voice of the Process (VOP). Lean Six Sigma VO... Learn More... refers to the ability of a business or customer to use a process. VOPLean Six Sigma Voice of the Process (VOP). Lean Six Sigma VO... Learn More... is often used as an efficiency-related metric.
W
- Waiting are 8 Wastes of Lean Six Sigma. Waiting is when a person, team, or organization can’t proceed with their work while they wait for approval, for an item, information, or another unit.
- White Belt is a level of Lean Six Sigma competency or someone who has achieved this competency. White belts are the beginner’s role in the system. They understand the basic concepts of Lean Six Sigma such as DMAIC and 8 Wastes.
- Work In Process ( WIP) is another lean six sigma term that can refer to inventories, queued pieces, and other items pending completion.
X
- The variable x is used in Lean Six Sigma level as part of the expression Y=f(x), where Y is the output and x is the input.
- An X-Bar (x) stands for the sample mean statistics.
- X-Bar & R Charts are control charts that are used to verify whether a process is stable and predictable. The “R” in the term stands for “range.”
- X-Bar & S (standard deviation) Charts are control charts that are used to track process variability. The “s” in the term stands for “standard deviation.”
Y
- Lean Six Sigma uses the variable Y as part of the expression, Y=f(x), in which Y is the output and input.
- Yellow Belt is a level of Lean Six Sigma competency and refers to someone who has attained this level. Yellow Belts are capable of supporting process improvement projects and understand the basics of Lean Six Sigma, like kaizen.
- Yield is another lean six sigma term that refers to the value that indicates the percentage of good output produced by a process.
Z
- The statistical symbol Z denotes the Sigma score, which is a measure of process capabilityCapability analysis is a method used to evaluate the perform... Learn More....
- Zero Defects is a goal that Quality Control pioneer Philip Crosby created. He advised businesses to get things right the first and only time.
- Zero Quality ControlZero Quality Control Zero Quality Control is an ideal syste... Learn More... aims to eliminate human error and thus eliminate the need for inspectionAudits are usually performed by an audit manager. They aim t... Learn More... which is considered wasteful.
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