What is "Lean" in the context of Lean Six Sigma?

In the context of Lean Six Sigma, Lean is fundamentally an approach that emphasizes the importance of eliminating waste and enhancing operational efficiency. It targets the identification and removal of non-value-adding activities in processes, which can lead to faster turnaround times, reduced costs, and improved quality. By streamlining operations and focusing on the value stream, organizations can deliver more value to customers while using fewer resources.

This focus on efficiency is crucial because it not only aids in maintaining low operational costs but also ensures that the processes are optimized to deliver the best possible products or services with minimal waste. Lean principles are applicable across various industries and can lead to significant improvements in productivity and quality, aligning closely with the overarching goals of Six Sigma, which are to improve process quality and reduce variation.