Lean Six Sigma For Leaders

4Analyse for Leaders

IN THE ANALYSE phase all the information and data that has been collected will be systematically reviewed and interpreted to give meaningful insight into the performance of the process. The team will use the collected evidence (both data and visual) to determine those critical X factors causing or influencing the identified process issues, and then drill down to the root causes allowing clear solutions to be developed in the Improve phase.

There are a number of different types of analysis possible:

• Analysis of the process maps
• Visual analysis of the graphical representation of data
• Statistical analysis of the data
• Process flow analysis
• Root cause analysis

Let's start with analysis of the process maps and apply some challenge to the steps that have been captured. Remember that challenge is a positive thing. It requires us to think differently, and this can promote powerful results. ‘Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory!’ said General Patton.

Using some tools and techniques to apply challenge can make it easier to do, and easier to be on the receiving end.

Process Analysis

Value Add Analysis involves reviewing the process to ascertain which steps add value, and which steps can be removed. To do so, a common definition of ‘value add’ is required. And, even then, it can give rise to some heated debate.

For a step to be considered value adding it must meet three important criteria:

1. The customer has to care about it (or ...