Aligning Business Process Management, Service-Oriented Architecture, and Lean Six Sigma for Real Business Results

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) produces real results in difficult economic times by uncovering process waste, reducing non-value adding activity, and increasing productivity. The benefits are even felt in IT. According to the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, "Companies can reduce application development and maintenance costs by up to 40%." That application development productivity can be improved "by up to 50%" by applying LSS techniques, freeing budget for needed investments. Business process management (BPM) and Service-Oriented Architectures (SOAs) combine with LSS to accelerate improvements and results. At the same time, they increase organizational flexibility and technology enabled responsiveness.