Q 691. What is the difference between Innovation and Invention? Provide some examples for both. Can Lean Six Sigma principles be applied to both of them? If not why?

 

Note for website visitors -

• This platform hosts two weekly questions, one on Tuesday and the other on Friday. 
• All previous questions can be found here: https://www.benchmarksixsigma.com/forum/lean-six-sigma-business-excellence-questions/. 
• To participate in the current question, please visit the forum homepage at https://www.benchmarksixsigma.com/forum/.
• The question will be open until Tuesday or Friday at 5 PM Indian Standard Time, depending on the launch day. 
• Responses will not be visible until they are reviewed, and only non-plagiarised answers with less than 5-10% plagiarism will be approved. 
• If you are unsure about plagiarism, please check your answer using a plagiarism checker tool such as https://smallseotools.com/plagiarism-checker/ before submitting. 
• All correct answers shall be published, and the top-rated answer will be displayed first. The author will receive an honorable mention in our Business Excellence dictionary at https://www.benchmarksixsigma.com/forum/business-excellence-dictionary-glossary/ along with the related term.

• Some people seem to be using AI platforms to find forum answers. This is a risky approach as AI responses are error prone as our questions are application-oriented (they are never straightforward). Have a look at this funny example - https://www.benchmarksixsigma.com/forum/topic/39458-using-ai-to-respond-to-forum-questions/

• We also use an AI content detector at https://crossplag.com/ai-content-detector/. Only answers with less than 15-20% AI-generated content will be approved.

This is a wonderful question because many a times we confuse being innovative with being inventive, let us see how.

#1  Invention is easier to understand. It is coming up with something tangible that is totally new, that can be sold as a product and service to others.

 

Innovation, on the other hand, is mostly looking at newer ways of doing a process. This could use a newer invention, but is not necessary. It is for sure moving away from current state to attain target condition, and typically you would want to be progressive in your way of work, hence using latest economical invention of that time would be recommended.

 

Let us understand this with an example.

Wheel was invented long time ago. if a heavier version of Off Highway truck uses a bigger wheel than the corresponding lighter version; that is just an innovative approach to creating a product line for customers. Heavier version OHT will be an invention; but usage of wheel in it will not be.

 

#2  Innovation is typically a LSS project. You can easily move from current state to meet defined goal and future state through Lean or Six Sigma approach depending on the topic itself. Various other methodologies like TOC, Design Thinking, DMADV etc can also be applied.

 

But, for Invention, though you can apply high level DMAIC framework; but key usage will be of TRIZ principles to help you rethink your solution, and create inventions.

 

So, in conclusion, yes you can apply LSS & TRIZ to both innovation and invention; but they apply respectively for innovation and invention in a better way.

 

 

 

 

 

Innovation and Invention both focuses on the creative skillset required to drive excellence in each and every aspect of life, be it personal or professional. 

 

Invention primarily revolves around creating something which is completely new, for example, when Lean Six Sigma got established as core basic of bringing improvement at Toyota motors, it was Invention in Operations Methodology. Over the years. LSS has encompassed multiple facets, as per the changing times and emerging ways of working, thus, leading to Innovation in LSS Philosophy

Invention : Invention is giving birth to something, which was not existed on this earth. Like , Bulb, Camera, Computer etc.

Six Sigma can be used after the invention to improve the quality of the product or efficiency of the product. But Six Sigma can be used at the inception stage of any invention. 

Here it is inventors freedom. Completely a brain child of the inventor.

 

Innovation: Innovation is making changes or enhance or improving the existing. Like Bulb now evolved as Led. Camera has now evolved as micro camera so on and so forth. 

Six Sigma can be used starting from inception. From Idea generation to deployment and monitor the progress, every stage we can use Six Sigma. It is a methodical approach aiming to achieve pre decided goal.

 

Innovation - To think anything new or creative which is beyond the regular nature of any process, product or service is called Innovation. It is indeed required in businesses to think innovatively for the critical problem's resolution. When we think Innovatively it helps to boost productivity and efficiency to a new level.

 

 Example- Initially when NASA(National aeronautical space agency) started doing space missions it was a heavy investment to manufacture a spacecraft and for next mission again  same investment have to be done which needs proper planning ,huge funds and time.

Where as SpaceX made spacecrafts which are reusability due to soft landing back on earth which in return gives huge savings. Kudos to Elon Musk and team who worked on this projects with innovative thinking.

 

Invention - To create something new which is physical or non-physical in nature is called invention. It takes huge efforts and experimentation to reach up to the conclusion stating that we have invented some thing. As there are initially failures to fulfils the target that we have set, eventually when all causes giving undesired result are identified and resolved with innovative solutions fulfils the criteria of 'Invention'

 

Example - Invention of Bulb by Thomas Elva Edison

 

 

Applicability of Lean Six Sigma in Innovation and Invention:-

The innovation can be rigorously used in DMAIC giving particularly example of Improvement phase. The solution can be envisioned innovatively to improve the 'To Be' state of any process which is having less investment and good ROI.

 

Similarly in Inventions as well the tools such as 'FMEA' , 'DOE', 'Fishbone Diagram' ,'QFD' can be used to enhance and boost the journey of Invention.

At some level Invention and Innovation seem same or interchangeable but when we do a deeper dive it’s not.

Inventions are typically creation of a new product which wasn’t existent and is being created. History is full of such examples; invention of Airplane by Wright Brothers changed the way one could travel or ship products from one place to another. Similarly, invention of Telephone completely revolutionized the mode of communication forever. Inventions are usually patented by their inventors or organizations. They are breakthrough or a novel solution to a human problem or need for advancement.

Innovation on other hand is different from invention in regards of being completely non-existent. Rather innovation is about improving an existing product. It is a result of incessant pursuit of excellence by keeping the vision & customer needs in vision, coming up with new ideas and implementing them to an existing product to add new features to make it better and efficient. Great example of innovations are the smart phones, smart watches and digital cameras. While the concept of a mobile phone was already invented as keypad mobiles in early 90s, companies like Apple and Samsung innovated it and taking absolutely up to a different level in 2000s by adding features like touchscreens, internet connectivity, and mobile apps, transforming the way we communicate and access information. In fact, innovation is one of the prominent Theories of Profit in Microeconomics.

 

Overall, we can say, invention is about creating something entirely new which wasn’t existent earlier, while innovation is about improving or building upon existing products. Both invention and innovation play crucial roles in human evolution and business excellence in any sort of business.

 

Lean Six Sigma principles are more focused on improvement of existing product/business. To invent new thing these principles may not work completely as we can go for Design for Six Sigma, but it will still help to an extend not completely.

Invention and Innovation 

Invention: Invention is something that refers to the creation of anything that is new, that may be a new product or a new process or a new idea or even a new solution, etc. Creation of anything that is unique can also be considered as invention.

Innovation: Innovation can be a value addition to an invention. It can be successful commercialization of an innovation or may be the implementation of invention. It can be conversion of invention from an idea to practical, usable and marketable propositions. It can also be altering an invention for a greater and much better realization. 
 

To understand the difference between Invention and Innovation, let us consider very common and famous examples:

1. Bicycle:  The first bicycle was not so much user friendly, in terms of balance, weight, ease, breaks and durability, etc. But with continuous innovation in the industry, bicycles are now available with Carbon fibre body, tubeless wheels, gear system, better balance and aerodynamics, etc. Hence are delivering better value to the end user and user is paying greater price for it.

 

2. E Payment system: Initially we required credit/Debit cards physically to do payments. Now we can do it thru UPI or mobile banking, etc.

 

3. Led Bulb: Initially LED bulb was heavy, bulky and less energy efficient. Now the lamps are smaller in size, better aesthetics and far more energy efficient (5 Star).

 

 

There are numerous examples like: First Mouse, First Computer, First antibiotic, First lamp or First electric car.

 

Six Sigma principles can be applied to Innovation definitely. Or we may rephrase that all Innovation is done through process improvement, Six Sigma being one. DOE and improvement projects based on DMAIC are all examples of innovation. 

 

For invention, use of Six sigma may have limited scope but definitely it may push towards invention. Whenever inventions have been made, inventors have always worked on theories and evaluated results based on trial and their outcome. Once we have data, we may definitely apply six sigma for refinement of result getting one closer towards invention. 

 

Invention in simple terms means creating something new or different which was never done before. In six sigma or process excellence team formed in an organization usually produces new tool or a new method for desired output which is nothing but invention. However, innovation is followed after invention by improvising on the existing process to produce better output; here are few examples to show clear difference between the both by applying six sigma methodologies as per the projects handled and led in my experience -

 

Invention - Project 'Verticalization'

SIX SIGMA Methods used : 

DMAIC - Project Charter

SIPOC - To understand end to end stakeholder demand and requirement

5s - Seating arrangement

 

ABC Co. is a financial shared services company handling all the operations related activities of all media agencies. During the migration all the accounting teams were transitioned in 'as is' structure. Resource management and work deployment was completed unstructured leading to delay in achieving timely targets and escalations. Hence the concept of verticalization was introduced in order to divide the teams as per the accounting norms such as General Ledger Team, Accounts Payable team, Order to cash Team etc.; below were the steps followed for the execution of the project-
1. Prepared the business scope 
2. Project charter with the scope of activities to covered by whom and when, with end to end start and end date of each activity
3. Communication to stakeholder
4. Approval from stakeholder
5. Studied the 'as is' team structure
6. Employee count and current team allotment from HR 
7. Activity Analysis of each employee
8. FTE analysis of how many member does a team require
9. Segregation of team as per their specialization and team allotment
10. Approval from Department Head
11. Allocation of team
12. Communication to employees on change of team structure
13. Announcement of new seating arrangement
14. Communication to stakeholders and approval

 

Innovation - Project 'Capacity Management'

 

SIX SIGMA Methods used : 

OEE  Matric - Productivity calculation

Process Mapping, VSM, Flowchart - Process documentation

 

Post successful implementation of project verticalization; in order to maintain the equilibrium between the
stakeholders and organization it was necessary to put up standard procedures, trainings to employees and
quality team for error free execution of work; below were the innovative ideas generated and implemented -
1. Standardizing the process documentation with the company letter head
2. Training the employees on their areas of specialization
3. As per the time and motion study conducted; FTE Analysis was conducted to understand the actual capacity of the team
4. Based on the time and motion study and FTE analysis; productivity of each employee was calculated
5. Actual capacity of the team required for the team were deployed and remaining set of employees were made part of their respective quality team

 

Overall all the critical success factors required for seamless execution of the project were implemented and
executed as per plan which resulted in positive feedback and better stakeholder management of the organization.

Invention: Anything which was never created in the past and developed, is called invention. Example: the invention of blub, telephone, etc. Invention is always the result of novel research and experimentation. A great idea that is just changed into a Tangible product is called invention. 

 

Innovation: An invention or existing idea, when used to develop more value adding products by using technical, marketing, or other strategies, is called innovation. Ex. smart phone, LED, etc.  

 

Below is the more detailed comparison of Invention and Innovation 

 

 

Basis for Comparison	Invention	Innovation
Meaning	Invention refers to a completely new idea for a product or process that has never been created before.	Innovation involves implementing an existing idea for a product or process that is being introduced for the first time.
What is it?	The invention is based on an original idea and its theoretical workings.	Innovation focuses on adding value to something that already exists.
Concept	Innovation involves implementing an idea for a product or process being introduced.	Innovation is characterized by the practical implementation of a new idea.
Skills required	Invention typically requires scientific skills.	Innovation necessitates a combination of marketing, technical, and strategic skills.
Occurs when	Invention occurs when a new idea strikes a scientist or inventor.	Innovation arises when there is a perceived need for a new product or an improvement to an existing product.
Concerned with	Invention is primarily concerned with a specific product or process.	Innovation encompasses the integration of various products and processes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lean Six Sigma can be applied to invention as well as innovation. 

During research and new idea / concept development, Lean Six Sigma can help organize research and structure the development process. Lean Six Sigma’s data driven approach can give more accurate and quality results during invention. 

 

Similarly, Lean Six Sigma can guide the development of new products out of existing products or services using data and a structured approach.

 

Lean Sigma tool also expedites the overall development process of invention as well as innovation 

 

In both cases, Invention or Innovation Lean Six Sigma’s DMADV approach is used. 

Invention vs. Innovation

Invention and innovation are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct concepts in the business world.

Feature	Invention	Innovation
Definition	The creation of something entirely new	The process of improving or enhancing an existing product, process, or idea
Focus	Originality and novelty	Practical application and value creation
Outcome	New product, process, or idea	Improved product, process, or business model

Examples

Invention: The light bulb, the telephone, the airplane. These are groundbreaking creations that didn't exist before.
 

Innovation: The smartphone, which transformed the way we communicate, access information, and consume entertainment. It built upon existing technologies like mobile phones and computers.

Lean Six Sigma and Invention/Innovation

Lean Six Sigma is a methodology focused on eliminating waste and improving efficiency in processes. While it can be a powerful tool for innovation, its application to invention is limited.

• Innovation: Lean Six Sigma can be effectively used to streamline the development and launch of new products or services. It helps identify and eliminate inefficiencies in the innovation process, leading to faster time-to-market and improved customer satisfaction.
   
• Invention: Invention often involves a high degree of experimentation and creativity, which may not align perfectly with the structured approach of Lean Six Sigma. However, the principles of waste reduction and process improvement can be applied to certain aspects of the invention process, such as prototyping and testing.

In essence, Lean Six Sigma is better suited for optimizing and improving existing offerings (innovation) rather than creating something entirely new (invention). However, it can provide valuable support in certain stages of the invention process.

Invention means a product that has been newly designed using a new concept all together and in some cases using new raw materials whereas innovation refers to an improvement/transformation of an existing product which in some cases may also mean an altogether new version of an existing product.

An example in this case is the electric Bulb and how it has evolved since its invention. When it was fist launched in 1879, it had a carbonized cotton thread filament. Over next years it transformed into what we see today as an LED bulb. The introduction of an electric bulb in 1879 was an invention however, it's transformations and the various versions of it like the usage of Tungsten filament, LED usage etc are innovation.

When it come to Lean Six Sigma, through stabilizing process and ensuring sustaining the improvement brought about, it kind of lays foundation for innovation as the team involved can focus more towards this activity. It can in certain cases also lead to invention as while designing new product it can lead to inventing a new product altogether through DFSS/DMADV methodology
 

Seldom it happens that when we post a question, we get so many different examples for the same thing. It was a sheer pleasure to review all the different answers. 

 

The best perspective has been provided by Radhika for providing the applicability of DMAIC to Innovation and TRIZ to invention. Hence, her answer has been selected as the best.