INTRODUCTION
Lean Six Sigma represents a business philosophy leading to the elimination of waste and the reduction of variation. With Lean Six Sigma, costs are reduced, productivity is raised and customer satisfaction is enhanced. The effort starts with understanding “value” through the eyes of the customer. Anything that does not add value is waste. Any variation from the target or ideal state is a potential source of added cost. Lean Six Sigma efforts tackle both waste and variation with a focus on customers and their needs. Lean and Six Sigma are part of a continuum in which efficiency (Six Sigma) is coupled with effectiveness (Lean) to create a robust improvement environment.