What is the foundation of Lean Six Sigma?

The foundation of Lean Six Sigma is rooted in the concept of standardized work. This principle emphasizes the importance of aligning processes to best practices and ensuring consistency in operations. Standardized work helps to eliminate variability in processes, leading to more predictable outcomes and improved quality. By establishing benchmarks and clear procedures, organizations can identify areas for improvement and maintain a baseline for measuring progress.

While continuous improvement is a core aspect of Lean Six Sigma, it builds upon the foundation established by standardized work. Similarly, process mapping and waste elimination are important tools and methods used within the Lean Six Sigma framework, but they function as supports rather than foundational elements. Standardized work creates the structure necessary for continuous improvement initiatives to be effective and sustainable.