What is the Difference between Kaizen and Six Sigma?

[hashemi]

hi
Kaizen being an improvement methodology just as Six Sigma but what is the diffrence between them???

[wmarhel]

Originally Posted by hashemi

hi
Kaizen being an improvement methodology just as Six Sigma but what is the diffrence between them???

This is older but thought I'd answer it anyway....

Kaizen isn't so much a methodology as it needs to be a "belief" system. A recognition that there is always a better way and what is currently being done today, may not be good enough tomorrow.

The method typically read about is a "Kaizen Event" which in essence is just a group continuous improvement event. These events are typically 3-5 days, with the team being made up of cross-functional group (engineering, supervisions, maintenance, etc.) of approximately 5-8 people. Too many people and its easy for people to wander.

Tools employed are typically spaghetti charts, data collection (revolving around time, distance, etc.), brainstorming...in essence, a kaizen event won't typically employ people running around with laptops and Minitab performing Design of Experiments. The target is typically quick, simple solutions which may result in longer term opportunities (better, more robust jigs and fixtures).

Six Sigma is usually broader in scope and more statistically driven. A person will see "Lean Six Sigma" thrown out in abundance nowadays but I think that's more of a marketing gimmick than anything. It is important to remember that Kaizen and Six Sigma have somewhat different purposes, Kaizen largely being targeted at reductions in non-value added activities (although variation reduction does occur through simply designed jigs, fixtures, and workplaces), while Six Sigma's main emphasis is on variation reduction. It's sort of a chicken before the egg thing but if a choice is made....start with waste reduction which can be accomplished in an extremely short period of time.

If I had a choice, my preference, at least initially would be in focusing on waste reduction efforts and not the Six Sigma approach. Having been trained in both, I've run into a few people who have been through the "Lean Six Sigma" hybrid and have not been overly impressed. If your embarking down the road, utilize your manufacturing extension service in your area for some Lean training and get yourself a good quality engineer. From there, you should be able to handle about 80% of what you'll run into.

Wayne

[WALLACE]

IMO,
Kaizen is a philosphy and, Six sigma is a box of tools, techniques and measuring systems.
Wallace.

[m2n3b4]

I agree with wallance

[Bev D]

Teh difference is in the typr of "Problem" that is being addressed: Kaizen is continual improvement for waste and errors, usually fairly simple problems; Six Sigma is for technical variation based defects, usually fairly complex problems. The overlap between them lies in mistake proofing.

they are complementary. it is not an either/or situation. but one can't do the job of the other.

[massfrompak]

Hi
I think all guys are right.
Kaizen is a philosphy that put stress on "change" and six sigma is a tool though which we control "process variations"

Simple is that.

thanks
Ahsan Saleem

[yassser33]

Hello :
1st of all i would like to thank all who share with his opinions .

in my point of view , its not a difference it is relation between Kaizen and six sigma , it is like father and son.

we can say that the 1st step in any improvement is Kaizen ( when your organization still baby in the field of improvement ) then when you grow up , you go to lean , and when you become stronger , you can go to six sigma.

i think that we cant just weak up and go foreword to apply six sigma without pass with the above cycle

[massfrompak]

yes yasser33 you are right that kaizen is first step (when organization is still babby in the field of improvement)

thanks
i m awaiting for more new view on this