What is a Lean Six Sigma Software?
A Lean Six Sigma software, in simple terms, is any software that helps you perform Lean Six Sigma regularly. The expected outcomes of using Lean Six Sigma software are increased efficiency, standardized operations, and higher productivity. It can be used by any business looking to improve its processes.
Importance
Maximizing the smart features and functionalities of a Lean Six Sigma software helps improve productivity and achieve maximum efficiency across the board. Additionally, Lean Six Sigma software solutions allow organizations to enjoy the following benefits:
Create Custom Lean Six Sigma Templates
While some Lean Six Sigma software solutions have several pre-made Lean Six Sigma templates, you also have the option of creating your own custom Lean Six Sigma template within the software’s template editor. You can also add a variety of response types to your templates, including multiple-choice items, logic fields, files, photos, text answers, numbers, and more.
Find Sources of Waste and Variation Easily
A Lean Six Sigma software makes it easy for you to spot trends and patterns so that you can fix inefficiencies in a snap. View commonly failed items across facilities, departments, and processes. Delve deep into why a problem occurred in the first place by conferring with your teammates.
Act on Analytics for Maximum Efficiency
This kind of software has the functionality to combine data and actions into one powerful analytics dashboard. You can set scoring systems in your templates to see their averages in the form of percentages and graphs.
Applying Lean Six Sigma Using Software
Though many in the manufacturing industry are already familiar with the Lean Six Sigma method, for those at a loss as to how to apply it in their business operations, here are a few steps to help you get started:
Step1: Collect Consistent Data
While gathering and organizing data can be time-consuming, it’s still an essential step since the backbone of Lean Six Sigma is ultimately data. If you already have solid documentation of your business processes and they’re on paper, you can use these valuable sources of information by converting them into digital files. If you do not have any valid records of your systems, then you can start by conducting an audit.
Step 2: Pinpoint Problem Areas
Now that you have all your data in one place, you can begin identifying areas or phases within the process where problems frequently occur. However, note that this step’s strength relies on the robustness of your issue-raising platform. If employees don’t flag day-to-day issues, then neither you nor their manager can see or notice that a problem needs to be solved.
Step 3: Embrace Teamwork
When forming your cross-functional team for Lean Six Sigma, you need to ensure that there’s a knowledgeable representative from each department. This person must be adept at the previous and current processes that the department is using and have good communication and coordination skills.
How to Pick the Best Lean Six Sigma Software
To help you choose, top Lean Six Sigma software programs must have these features:
Smart Templates – Create unlimited smart templates and convert your existing paper forms to digital templates.
Inspections – Complete inspections from anywhere at any time with a Lean Six Sigma software program.
Fast Reporting – Detailed inspection reports help problems get solved quicker.
Insights & Analytics – Turn your Lean Six Sigma data into actionable insights.
Integrations – Connect your other to business software systems such as Tableau, Sharepoint and more.
For a quick overview of which Lean Six Sigma software is best suited for your needs, here’s a roundup of our best apps:
Best Overall: SafetyCulture
Best for Complex Project Management: TRACtion
Best for Organizations with Internal and External Teams: Tallyfy
Best for Enterprises: The Lean Way
Best for Managing Continuous Improvement Efforts: KaiNexus
Best for Manufacturing and Service Companies: iGrafx
Best for All Industries: Minitab Engage
Best for Healthcare and Chemical Industries: JMP
Best for Business Compliance Management: SoftExpert
Use this table for a comparison of free version availability, pricing of paid plans, and mobile app capability:
Lean Six Sigma Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/seat/month* | Yes |
TRACtion | None | $7,500** | None |
Tallyfy | None | $5/member/month*** | None |
The Lean Way | None | $20/user/month**** | Yes |
KaiNexus | None | Details upon request | Yes |
iGrafx | None | Details upon request | None |
Minitab Engage | None | Details upon request | None |
JMP | None | $125/month | None |
SoftExpert | None | $200/user/month | Yes |
* billed annually
** one-time installation fee for a minimum of 10 users, with a separate annual usage fee
*** for a minimum of 10 members billed annually
**** for 25 users billed annually
To better support your Lean Six Sigma efforts, utilize other related apps to enhance your organization’s overall productivity:
Kaizen App to help ensure continuous improvement every day in the workplace
Project Management Software to assign tasks, schedule activities, track progress, and monitor resources
Workflow Software to manage documents and processes
