ISO 9001 & Lean Six Sigma holds a strong bond that most of the individuals and organizations are unfamiliar with. ISO 9001 defines the framework of Quality Management System. Whereas Six Sigma is a methodology used within the QMS to improve performance and reduce variation between and within the processes.
Today in this blog we will discuss the impact of one tool over the other and the strong link between them. Kadmar Consultants understands the correlation and application of the two strong tools and how can they help you achieve operational excellence.
ISO 9001 is an international standardization tool and defines strategy of achieving continuous improvement through structured approach. It is the framework of your organization’s quality management system and defines how your system should operate. It is the ground on which your system prevails. Once your system is designed and implemented as per the requirements and intend of ISO 9001, the certification process helps in validating your performance and giving you global recognition.
The standard defines the need for improvement and achieve operational excellence, but it does not provide any specific methodology or tool through which you can achieve process efficiency and effectiveness. At this point Lean Six Sigma brings in the statistical and value added activities concept.
It helps in eliminating waste from the supply chain. Where ISO 9001 does not define the specific tool, this tool plays the vital role.
It provides practical tools such as:
It focuses on eliminating waste across processes and reducing variation within processes to improve efficiency and quality.
The standard defines the System Framework, The process improvement tool Improves the system
Both follow continuous improvement philosophies such as PDCA and DMAIC. One uses PDCA to define and manage the management system, while the other applies DMAIC to analyze problems and develop effective process improvements.
Together, they form a complete improvement system.
Continual Improvement Is a Shared Core Principle
Continual improvement is a shared principle between both the standard and the process improvement tool. The PDCA and DMAIC cycles emphasize a closed-loop approach, where actions are planned and implemented, results are evaluated, and lessons learned are used to drive further improvement in an ongoing cycle. The Clause 10 in the standard deeply emphasizes on continual improvement activities and its entire clause structure supports PDCA cycle. Whereas process improvement tool delivers improvement through projects structured in DMAIC cycle. PDCA and DMAIC are both complementary to one another.
The standard embeds risk-based thinking into the Quality Management System, from defining processes through to delivering customer satisfaction. The process improvement tool complements this by analyzing process risks using data to identify root causes and reduce variation.
Organizations using process improvement tool alongside the standard typically experience:
Organizations that integrate both standard and the tool typically achieve:
This integrated approach is especially powerful for manufacturing, automotive, service, and regulated industries.
the standard provides the management system structure, while process improvement tool delivers the improvement tools needed to achieve operational excellence.
Looking to integrate ISO 9001 and Lean Six Sigma effectively? Kadmar Consultants helps organizations move beyond compliance to operational excellence. Contact us today and speak to an expert that will evaluate your system gaps and provide an approach that will bets fit your business need.