hashemi said:
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