3B - LEAN SIX SIGMA

Question 1

• Combination of Six Sigma methodology and Lean principles.
• Used for the quality improvement of the laboratory

Answer 1

LEAN SIX SIGMA METHODOLOGY

Question 2

• Identifies and eliminates causes of defects and errors
• “How can this process be improved?”
• Used to reduce error

Answer 2

Six Sigma

Question 3

• Eliminates waste and unnecessary processes/steps.
• “Does this step/process need to exist?”

Answer 3

Lean

Question 4

DMAIC Methodology

Answer 4

Define
Measure
Analyze
Improve
Control

Question 5

Setting the goal

Answer 5

Define

Question 6

Assessing the current process

Answer 6

Measure

Question 7

Identifying the root cause of a problem

Answer 7

Analyze

Question 8

Brainstorming to develop solutions

Answer 8

Improve

Question 9

Ensuring that the improvements are maintained.

Answer 9

Control

Question 10

Quantitative measurement of the error and variation that occurs within a system.

Answer 10

Sig Sigma Metrics

Question 11

The capability of a process to meet its defined criteria for acceptability.

Answer 11

Process Sigma

Question 12

Process Sigma is measured in

Answer 12

Defects per Million Opportunities (DPMO)

Question 13

• The number of SDs away from the mean a process can move before it is outside the acceptability limits.
• The higher the sigma value, the better

Answer 13

Sigma Value

Question 14

Computing for DPMO

Answer 14

1. Count the defects / errors that occurred
2. Count the units
   - Example: Number of samples tested
3. Count the opportunities
   - Number of errors that can occur in processing a unit / samples
   - Ex: Error in sample collection, transport, microscopic examination, encoding of results.

Question 15

Simply by eliminating unnecessary steps and maintaining a high level of performance, the team can drastically reduce the number of total errors.

Answer 15

Importance of Combining Lean and Six Sigma