To legitimize and standardize LSS deployments globally, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed specific frameworks.
ISO 13053 is divided into two parts. While Part 1 covers the DMAIC methodology, Part 2 focuses strictly on the Tools and Techniques.
Summary: It provides detailed "fact sheets" for the statistical and non-statistical tools utilized within each phase of DMAIC.
Relevance to LSS: It standardizes how tools like Affinity Diagrams, Control Charts (SPC), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and Design of Experiments (DOE) should be calculated and interpreted. This prevents organizations from applying flawed mathematics to operational problems, ensuring analytical integrity.
Addresses the human capital and organizational architecture required for LSS.
Summary: Historically, Belt certifications were unstandardized (a Green Belt at Company A was not equal to Company B). ISO 18404 resolves this by defining the exact competencies, skills, and organizational requirements for Lean Practitioners, Green Belts, Black Belts, and Master Black Belts.
Relevance to LSS: It ensures a globally recognized baseline for practitioner capability. It also mandates that organizations maintain specific support structures (sponsorship, resource allocation) to maintain their ISO compliance, preventing the degradation of the LSS program.
Complements Part 2 by formally defining the DMAIC phases, the roles of personnel (prior to ISO 18404 expansion), and the project selection criteria.
Context: The foundational bedrock for Operational Excellence.
Relevance: LSS creates process improvements, but ISO 9001 ensures those improvements are locked into the standard operating procedures (SOPs). The "Control" phase of LSS heavily relies on ISO 9001 audit and documentation mechanisms to prevent regression.