Lean vs. TQM vs. Six Sigma

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Introduction

Lean, Total Quality Management (TQM), and Six Sigma are three popular methodologies used in business and manufacturing sectors to improve processes, increase efficiency, and reduce waste. While they share some similarities, each approach has its unique focus and tools. Here's a comparison of Lean, TQM, and Six Sigma.

The Founding Fathers

Companies like Toyota are often touted (with good reason) as the gold standard for quality system models. Toyota’s TPS (Toyota Production System) has been highly publicized and has gained increasing acceptance in American manufacturing operations over the last decade or so. What has not been highly publicized is the fact that many of these concepts originated in America, and quality pioneers like W. Edwards Deming had to take their show on the road to Japan only after being rejected by the leaders of American industry. The contributions of such legends as Dr. Deming, Dr. Joseph Juran, Philip Crosby, Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa, Dr. Walter Shewhart, and Shigeo Shingo had such an impact on the world that they truly are the Founding Fathers of modern quality.

“We strive to decide our own fate. We act with self-reliance, trusting in our own abilities. We accept responsibility for our conduct and for maintaining and improving the skills that enable us to produce added value.”

–Excerpt from Toyota Motor Corporation’s internal document, “Toyota Way”

Lean

Lean is a methodology and philosophy that originated from the Toyota Production System (TPS) and is widely used in various industries for process improvement and waste reduction. The core principle of Lean is to maximize value for customers by minimizing or eliminating non-value-added activities or waste. The primary focus of Lean is on creating flow and eliminating waste throughout the entire value stream, from the beginning of a process to its end. Waste, also known as "Muda" in Lean terminology, refers to any activity or process step that does not add value from the customer's perspective. Figure 1 illustrates the eight types of wastes identified in Lean Manufacturing.

To read this entire article, which appeared in the July 2023 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.