What is the main difference between "Lean" and "Six Sigma"?

The distinction between Lean and Six Sigma fundamentally lies in their core objectives. Lean methodologies prioritize the elimination of waste within processes, seeking to streamline operations and enhance the flow of value to the customer. It operates on the principle that by removing unnecessary steps, time, and resources, organizations can achieve greater efficiency and satisfaction.

On the other hand, Six Sigma centers its efforts on reducing variation in processes. The aim is to improve quality by identifying and removing causes of defects, thereby ensuring that outputs meet specified standards consistently. This approach employs statistical tools and analyses to measure and control process performance.

Therefore, the assertion that Lean emphasizes waste elimination while Six Sigma targets variation reduction accurately captures the essence of both methodologies. They complement each other but approach improvement from different angles, making the choice regarding their specific focus clear and distinct.