Speeding Up Public Record Releases: A Lean Six Sigma Approach
In just five months, a public sector organization cut record request processing time from four hours to under one, a 75% improvement, while slashing operational costs by 50%. This Lean Six Sigma Green Belt project focused on eliminating waste in a highly regulated environment, balancing speed with strict legal and privacy requirements. By using tools like SIPOC diagrams, Fishbone analysis, and a Benefit-Effort Matrix, the team identified inefficiencies, redesigned workflows, and implemented error-proofing methods. Staff involvement and visual communication helped secure legal approval, while clear internal deadlines kept the project on track. This case is a powerful example of how Lean Six Sigma can deliver measurable gains in service speed, cost efficiency, and team morale, without compromising compliance.