Types of analysis in LSS projects

LSS projects focus on data driven process improvements. Lean Six Sigma is all about data. Every phase of the DMAIC approach in LSS needs to be backed with data. Most of the data is collected in the Measure phase. This data gets analyzed, verified and validated using LSS tools.

Along with data analysis it is important to know about the process. So process analysis plays an equally important role in LSS projects. Knowledge about the current state of the process helps understand what the process steps of the current process. Here it is necessary to use the Go See Lean principle where the LSS team walks the process as it is currently running. Some Green and Black belts make the mistake on relying work instructions or hear say for the current state. However this may not represent what is actually being done on regular basis.

The figure below shows the types of analysis and some useful tools:


Analysis of critical parameters is the key to a successful Lean Six Sigma project. The challenge lies in identifying the critical parameters, gathering data and choosing the right analytical tools. Over and above knowledge about the process plays an important role too.

Have you experienced challenges related to analysis in your LSS project?

Dangers of Analysis-Paralysis in Lean Six Sigma

Continuous improvement projects require teams to collect data and analyze it.
Lean Six Sigma method needs metrics and data to back up everything. Even the success of the LSS program is measured and tracked.

Sometimes Lean Six Sigma Green and Black belts analyze data more than needed. In LSS projects using the DMAIC approach the Measure phase is where hard data on the primary metric is collected. Preliminary data analysis begins in the Measure phase and continues into the Analyze phase where root causes are identified. Many LSS projects get stuck in the Measure or Analyze phase.

There are several reasons for this. Some of the key reasons are:
1. Data is hard to find/gather
2. There is too much or too little data
3. Incorrect data is collected
4. Green and Black belts over analyze the data
5. Preliminary data analysis does not reveal much so more data is collected

The Measure and Analyze phases of the DMAIC approach are most challenging. These phases take time and effort from the LSS team. The team needs to have the patience and persistance to get through these phases. The team leader (Green or Black belt) needs to get through the data collection and analysis portion efficiently/effectively. Without getting bogged down by data and not getting caught
in analysis-paralysis is the critical aspect to keep the project moving forward.

In our next blog post we will discuss the tools and techniques to overcome Analysis-Paralysis.

Have you experienced Analysis-Paralysis in an improvement project? How have you overcome it?