If Kaizen and Six Sigma (or Kai Sigma) can work together successfully, then Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen, too.
A Japanese philosophy, Kaizen focuses on continuous improvement in all aspects of life, while Lean Six Sigma is a combination of Lean and Six Sigma incorporating the voice of the customer (VOC).
An article on News Journal Online says that Sea Ray Boats, which experienced low sales in the past, combined Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen to improve efficiency and safety while cutting costs and eliminating wasted time and materials. The programs are still ongoing.
Zack Chehaitli, director of continuous improvement at Sea Ray’s local plant, said the use of the “Kaizen” and “Lean Six Sigma” approaches has saved the company nearly $400,000 so far this year. From 2006 through 2008, the company saved $574,000 to $776,000 a year.
