ABSTRACT
Sigma is a statistical measurement of variability, showing how much variation exists from a statistical average. Sigma basically measures how far observed data deviate from the mean or average. Lean manufacturing is a production practice that concentrates on the elimination of waste. It is based on the total production system, introduced originally by Toyota, and is also based on the principals of Total Quality Management. Lean focuses on getting the right things to the right place at the right time in the right quantity while minimizing waste. Lean also makes the work simple enough to understand, to do, and to manage. The very nature of Lean would suggest that it would be wasteful to spend time trying to understand manuals or complicated processes, so it is best to simplify language. The new leaner tools focus on continuous improvement as a guiding principle. The road to quality is paved with small incremental improvements.
