| LEAN | SIX-SIGMA | TOC |
| Improvement Checklist-Specific tools for improvement that should fit any application | Another toolbox which uses data to guide decisions, drive out variation | A custom philosophy. A problem solving format, that leads to improvement |
| Toyota manufacturing system pedigree | Waste reduction by benchmarking and tracking results | Stresses global results. Puts throughput above cost. |
| whole system concept | local concept | Focus on making more money as the goal and this directs management to increase T, reduce OE and reduce I whole system concept |
Some people prefer a packaged system of to do items which will lead to improvement (LEAN).
Some people prefer data driven decisions (SIX-SIGMA).
Some people prefer a "common sense" approach of problem solving and increasing profit (TOC).
In order to improve...we must change. But not all change is improvement.
What is the impact on T, I and OE?