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Although LEAN, Six Sigma and ISO 9001 can be implemented or applied separately, all three are also complimentary as they are three customer-focused quality methodologies that are underpinned by a requirement for continual improvement, a requirement and feature that is part of any well-functioning process or management system. The below table provides more clarity:
| ISO 9001 | LEAN | Six Sigma | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Establishing a management system | Enhancing process efficiency | Enhancing process effectiveness |
| Aim / Output | A set of policies and procedures that guides and standardises the activities and actions of the organization | Reducing process waste to enhance speed in production, cycle time, setup, change overs etc | Improved process performance through elimination of defects and continuous improvement |
| Approach | PDCA | 8 Wastes | DMAIC |
| Is a business management system | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Is an improvement methodology | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Certifiable by a 3rd party. | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Managed on a project basis | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Is incorporated into the daily activities of the organization | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Considers business and process planning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Requires process definition | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Involves monitoring & measurement of processes | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Identifies and manages continuous improvement opportunities | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |