What is a customer requirement in Lean Six Sigma?

In Lean Six Sigma, a customer requirement refers to a specific need or expectation of the customer that must be met in order for a product or service to satisfy their demands effectively. Understanding these requirements is crucial because they directly influence the design and delivery of services and products. When an organization accurately captures and prioritizes these requirements, it can enhance customer satisfaction and drive continuous improvement.

Specific customer requirements guide teams in setting measurable objectives, which is a fundamental aspect of Lean Six Sigma methodologies. By focusing on these precise needs, organizations can minimize waste, reduce variability, and streamline processes—all of which contribute to enhanced quality and efficiency.

The other options mention broader concepts or more generalized understandings, which do not specifically capture the essence of customer requirements in the Lean Six Sigma context. For example, a general understanding of customer preferences may provide context but lacks the specificity needed for actionable insights. Similarly, summaries of market research findings and flexible guidelines do not address the fundamental notion of what the customer explicitly requires from a product or service.