The Essence of Lean and Six Sigma: Easier, Better, Faster, Cheaper
When we think about Lean and Six Sigma, the first words that often come to mind are efficiency, improvement, and optimization. But at the core of these methodologies lies a simple yet powerful principle, which was first articulated by the legendary Shigeo Shingo, a key architect of the Toyota Production System. His approach to continuous improvement is not just about making things work—it’s about making them better in the right order.
Shingo famously said: “Make things easier, better, faster, and cheaper.”
This principle is so much more than a catchy phrase. It encapsulates the essence of what it means to be Lean and Six Sigma. Let’s break down why it’s important and how it works.
1. Easier First
The journey to improvement begins by simplifying processes. In the world of Lean and Six Sigma, removing complexity is the first priority. Streamlining processes, eliminating unnecessary steps, and reducing confusion creates the foundation for everything else. Once something is made easier, it opens up the potential for other improvements to take place more smoothly.
2. Better Follows
Once you’ve simplified your processes, you can begin focusing on making them better. In Lean, this means refining the flow of work, enhancing quality, and minimizing waste. In Six Sigma, it means improving consistency, reducing variability, and ensuring that processes meet the desired standards. By first making things easier, you lay the groundwork to refine and elevate the output.
3. Faster Comes Next
With easier processes and better quality, the next step is increasing speed. Lean principles emphasize the importance of reducing cycle time and eliminating bottlenecks. When processes are easier and better, they naturally become more efficient, allowing you to deliver products or services more quickly. This agility is a key driver in staying competitive in today’s fast-paced environment.
4. Cheaper Last
Finally, with improvements in ease, quality, and speed, you can reduce costs. Lean thinking teaches that when inefficiencies are eliminated, and processes are optimized, the result is lower operational costs. However, cost reduction isn’t the first focus; it’s the outcome of making things easier, better, and faster. Cost reductions are a natural consequence of the improvements that come before.
Why This Order Matters
The order in which Shingo proposed these improvements isn’t arbitrary. It’s about laying the proper foundation before jumping into cost-cutting. By focusing on making processes easier, we create an environment where further improvements are more sustainable and impactful. Trying to reduce costs without addressing the underlying inefficiencies first can lead to temporary fixes that don’t deliver long-term value.
In essence, Shigeo Shingo’s words capture the very spirit of Lean and Six Sigma: a focus on continuous, sustainable improvement. The process isn’t just about getting things done faster and cheaper—it’s about creating a culture where simplicity, quality, and efficiency go hand in hand.
Final Thoughts
Adopting the mindset of “easier, better, faster, cheaper” can transform the way we approach improvement in any organization. By following this approach, we ensure that each step of the process builds on the previous one, resulting in a cycle of continuous growth and refinement.
If you’re implementing Lean and Six Sigma in your organization, remember this simple yet profound idea. Start by making things easier, and let everything else follow naturally. When you do this, you’ll set yourself up for success that’s not just faster or cheaper, but more sustainable and impactful.