ISO 9000 and Lean Six Sigma – A Synergistic View

First published in 1987, the ISO 9000 Quality Management System (QMS) standard is now widely used around the world with over 1.1 million registered companies. This standard – actually a family of standards – is updated periodically, most recently in 2015 by the International Organization for Standardization. ISO 9000 provides guidance and a framework for … Read more

Engaging Senior Management: Deployment Champion

TMAC hosted a LSS Deployment Champion Symposium for our customers on November 16-17, 2016. Champions and senior managers from nine different companies participated in the symposium, representing industries ranging from food & beverage and logistics to jewelry-making, retail, building products, aerospace, energy, and healthcare. Despite the variety – or perhaps because of it – participants … Read more

Lean Six Sigma in City Government (Part 1 of 2)

Co-Authored by Diana Martinez, Ph.D. and Alberto Yáñez-Moreno, Ph.D. Although Lean and Six Sigma originated in manufacturing, LSS has proven successful in a variety of service industries including the city government. LSS practitioners who plan to work in government face many challenges, some of which are unique to their environment. What are the keys to … Read more

5S in the Office? Yes, Please!

Co-Authored by Chris Meeks, MBB and Russ Aikman, MBB Many LSS companies embrace the principles of 5S in their operations. Increasingly this is true even in non-manufacturing industries such as health care. And many excel at their 5S implementation – in operations. The benefits are obvious to all: Better organization, clearer communications, improved safety, fewer … Read more

7 Words You Should Never Say in Lean Six Sigma

In the 1970s the late comedian George Carlin (1937-2008) perfected a routine in which he discussed seven words which could not be used on broadcast television.  Carlin was known for his acerbic wit and ability to skewer bureaucrats, politicians, and anyone else he found to be arrogant, pompous, or just plain ignorant. And he also loved … Read more

Keys to a Successful LSS Project: Part 3 of 3: Project Support

Often companies that want to implement a LSS program – and experience the benefits  associated with it – think that by sending a couple of staff to Green or Black Belt training they are on their way to success.  Nothing can be further from the truth. If belts do not have appropriate structure and support, … Read more

Keys to a Successful LSS Project: Part 2 of 3: Project Management

Many LSS practitioners are familiar with project management practices from working on non-LSS project teams. Regardless of your past experience, here are five areas of focus for effective project management compiled by TMAC staff from coaching many Black Belts and Green Belts. Define Phase Deliverables: Charter, Team Launch, Stakeholder Analysis Meeting Facilitation Between Meeting Activities … Read more