Resources

In Lean Six Sigma, solving problems and driving improvements depends on using the right tools. Among the most enduring and practical are the Seven Basic Quality Tools —a set of techniques first popularized by Kaoru Ishikawa in his classic Guide to Quality Control . These tools are considered “basic” not because they are simplistic, but because anyone—from frontline employees to executives—can apply them to analyze processes, identify root causes, and make data-driven decision

Six Sigma is more than just a methodology—it’s a structured approach to improving quality, reducing defects, and enhancing efficiency in organizations. At the heart of Six Sigma is a well-defined belt system , much like martial arts, where each belt represents a level of expertise, training, and responsibility. If you are new to Six Sigma or considering certification, understanding the roles of each belt is essential. Let’s break down the Six Sigma belts and how they contribu

Organizations today are under constant pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver more value to customers. Lean thinking has become one of the most widely adopted approaches for achieving these goals. While Lean is ultimately a mindset of continuous improvement, its power lies in the practical tools  it offers to solve problems and simplify processes. If you’re new to Lean, you may wonder: Which tools should I learn first?  Let’s take a closer look at some of t

In the world of Six Sigma and Lean problem-solving, teams are often overwhelmed with a flood of ideas, observations, or data points. Organizing these into meaningful patterns is critical to avoid analysis paralysis. One of the most powerful tools for this is the Affinity Diagram , also known as an affinity chart, affinity mapping, K-J Method,  or thematic analysis . Initially developed in the 1960s by Japanese anthropologist Jiro Kawakita , the affinity diagram enables teams

In Six Sigma projects, structured planning and progress tracking are critical for success. Among the most widely used project management tools is the Gantt chart —a simple yet powerful way to visualize project timelines, tasks, and milestones. A Gantt chart is essentially a bar chart  that shows project activities, their start and end times, duration, and progress. It can also indicate responsible team members or resources by name or color (ASQ, n.d.). By shading bars as task

In Six Sigma projects, data drives decisions . One of the most powerful yet simple tools to understand your data is the histogram . Whether you're trying to reduce defects, improve cycle time, or enhance customer satisfaction, a histogram can provide instant visual insight into how your process behaves. This blog will walk you through what a histogram is, how to use it in Six Sigma, and why it’s indispensable during process improvement initiatives. What is a Histogram? A hist