Six Sigma

is a data-driven, customer-focused process improvement methodology, focused on reducing variation in processes, and meeting customer requirements, profitably.

A Black Belt

is a project manager who manages process improvement projects, using Six Sigma techniques, usually in conjunction with local process experts and Green Belts.

Green Belts

are Six Sigma-trained people who carry out improvement projects in their own work areas, under the mentorship of a Black Belt.

Lean Manufacturing

is a methodology focused on removing waste (i.e. non-value-adding activities like scrap & rework, transport, checking/inspection, waiting etc) from processes, and improving flow.

Lean and Six Sigma mesh together extremely well

– in an ideal world, you would first make a process Lean, by removing all non-value-adding activities, and then reduce the amount of variation in the process and ensure customer satisfaction by using Six Sigma techniques.