In Lean Six Sigma, what is the focus of the "Improve" phase?

The focus of the "Improve" phase in Lean Six Sigma is primarily on formulating strategies to minimize waste. In this phase, teams build upon the analysis conducted in the previous stages and seek to identify and implement process improvements. They assess potential changes or interventions that can enhance efficiency, reduce variability, and eliminate inefficiencies within the organization's processes.

By concentrating on minimizing waste, the Improve phase aims to create streamlined and effective processes that deliver higher quality outputs and better meet customer needs. This aligns with the fundamental principles of Lean thinking, which emphasizes maximizing value while minimizing everything else that does not add value.

Understanding the definition and goals of this phase is crucial, as it impacts the overall success of the project and ensures that actionable improvements are made based on the data gathered and analyzed prior to this stage.