What is
Lean Six Sigma?
At VA Innovation, we believe that Lean Six Sigma isn’t just a bunch of fancy tools and jargon – it’s a practical way to make your business run smoother, faster, and more profitably. Whether you’re in manufacturing, services, or the public sector, the principles of Lean Six Sigma can help you cut waste, reduce errors, and deliver more value to your customers.
In Simple Terms...
Lean is about speeding things up by removing waste – the stuff that slows you down or adds no value. Think of it as “doing things quickly and efficiently”.
Six Sigma is about doing things right – reducing variation and defects by using data and problem-solving techniques.
When you combine the two, you get Lean Six Sigma – a powerful approach that focuses on improving quality, speed, and cost all at the same time.
Why Does Lean Six Sigma Work?
Lean Six Sigma works because it focuses on two of the biggest headaches in any business: waste and variation. By tackling these, you can increase productivity, improve customer satisfaction, and reduce costs – without overloading your team.
The Key Principles
Focus on the customer
Deliver what they actually value.
Identify and remove waste
Anything that doesn’t add value is out.
Reduce variation
Make processes predictable and reliable.
Use data, not guesswork or opinions
Base decisions on proven facts and analysis.
Empower your people
Improvement is a team sport.
Who Uses Lean Six Sigma?
From Toyota and Motorola to the NHS and small local businesses, Lean Six Sigma is used worldwide in sectors like manufacturing, finance, healthcare, logistics, and beyond. At VA Innovation, we’ve helped everyone from heritage sites to financial services firms embed these principles and see real results.
Lean Six Sigma Belt Levels
Training and certification are often structured into “belt” levels:
- White Belt– Basic awareness.
- Yellow Belt – Team member understanding.
- Green Belt– Project leader with problem-solving skills.
- Black Belt– Advanced problem-solver and coach.
- Master Black Belt – Strategic leader and mentor.
Find out more details from our Lean Six Sigma Training and Certification page
How VA Innovation Can Help
We don’t just teach Lean Six Sigma – we make it work for your business. Our consultancy blends expert training, real-world project delivery, and a practical, no-nonsense approach. You’ll get the tools, mindset, and support to make sustainable improvements and measurable gains.
FAQs About Lean Six Sigma
What is Lean Six Sigma in simple terms?
It’s a way of improving your processes so you can work faster, cheaper, and better – by removing waste and reducing errors.
Is Lean Six Sigma only for manufacturing?
No – it’s used in healthcare, finance, services, government, and more. Any process can be improved.
Do I need to be good at maths to use Six Sigma?
No – while data is important, most tools are straightforward, and training covers what you need.
How long does it take to see results?
Some changes deliver quick wins in weeks; bigger projects can take months. The key is to start small and build momentum.
What’s the difference between Lean and Six Sigma?
Lean focuses on speed and waste elimination; Six Sigma focuses on quality and variation reduction. Together, they’re stronger.
Do I need a certification to use Lean Six Sigma?
No, but training can help you apply the methods effectively and lead projects with confidence.
Still need
MORE?
Dive into Our Popular Blogs for Actionable Lean Six Sigma Strategies and Best Practices!
