But here’s the key difference: some professionals were swept away, while others thrived. And those who thrive do so by embracing new tools without losing sight of Lean Six Sigma principles.
Why Lean Six Sigma Still Matters
At its core, Lean Six Sigma is about solving problems and reducing variation. If you understand this, you’ll realize just how powerful this methodology remains—even in the age of AI.
AI and other new technologies are not threats. In fact, they’re blessings. They help improve:
- Quality
- Productivity
- Delivery
- Customer Satisfaction
However, every new technology also introduces variation, and that’s where Six Sigma shines—by helping you identify and reduce that variation.
What Sets Thriving Professionals Apart?
It’s not the tools they use—it’s how well they apply Lean Six Sigma thinking. I've personally seen many people shift away from LSS during the RPA phase. Some even left the field entirely. But those who stayed used RPA as one more tool in their toolkit.
RPA didn’t always solve all problems. In fact, sometimes it added complexity, like balancing manual work versus automation. But that just created more opportunities for skilled problem solvers. As a team, we increased our project delivery by 40% with RPA at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP
Welcome to the AI Era
Now, AI is creating a similar wave. By 2030, some LSS professionals may move on to other roles. But those who combine AI + Lean Six Sigma will be leading the future.
Personally, I’ve embraced AI. I’ve built AI-powered solutions, filed patents, and am developing more, especially for process excellence. I can confidently say: AI is a gift to Lean Six Sigma professionals.
How AI Can Boost Your Lean Six Sigma Journey
1. Project Discovery: Most LSS courses focus on DMAIC, but rarely teach how to identify a project. That’s why many professionals wait to be assigned a project. AI can help solve this. By entering details like your department, metrics, or industry into an AI tool, you can get real project suggestions and qualification support.
2. Support Through DMAIC (Define to Control): It’s common to feel unsure during various DMAIC stages. Many professionals wonder:
- What should I do next?
- Is my analysis correct?
AI can provide answers. Let’s say you’ve made a Cause & Effect diagram with 20 possible causes. You’re unsure how to validate them. Upload the diagram into an AI tool and ask it to help prioritize and build a cause validation plan.
Even better, AI can help run hypothesis tests like T-tests, ANOVA & Regression analysis
It can even interpret the results for you, be smart enough to judge if the answer is right.
This could reduce your analysis time by up to 80%! But remember, AI doesn’t replace your LSS knowledge. It enhances it. You still need to:
- Ask the right questions
- Make the right decisions
- Lead the project
AI simply makes the journey easier, faster, and smarter.
Sharing a few tips on how AI can be helpful in your LSS journey
A Message for LSS Trainers and Coaches
If you teach Lean Six Sigma, it’s time to evolve. AI-enabled training is the need of the hour. Many learners struggle with real-world applications. AI can fill this gap by acting like a virtual coach.
Let’s not miss this opportunity.
Final Thoughts
"AI is the best blessing Lean Six Sigma professionals have ever had—if you realize it. Otherwise, it becomes the biggest curse."
It’s your choice. Will you use AI to elevate your Lean Six Sigma practice? Or will you let it pass you by?
Embrace the future. The power is in your hands.
Visit AI-Powered Lean Six Sigma training today
Written by Srinivas V. Founder - Lean6SigmaPro.com the first to integrate AI to Lean Six Sigma trainings and certifications.
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