Subscribe Log in

Operations

Lean Six Sigma, Pt. 4: From Continuous Improvement to Continuous Intelligence

In the fourth and final installment of this series, Bart Tessel explores why the next wholesale-distribution operating model is built on flow, better decisions and continuous adaptation.

July 22, 2026

Share

Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a four-part article series. See Part 1 here, Part 2 here and Part 3 here.

We've Been Solving the Right Problem, Just Not Continuously.

Over the last three articles, I've made what may have seemed like a provocative argument: Lean Six Sigma wasn't wrong. Technology simply hadn't caught up. For decades, Lean helped organizations improve the flow of work. Six Sigma helped them improve the quality and consistency of decisions. Both delivered tremendous value. But they were largely practiced as projects. Teams gathered around conference tables. Improvement…

This is a Premium Article

Join NAW to read the full article — plus access to research, data, and intelligence.

As a member, you get:

  • Unlimited premium MDM articles, case studies, and monthly intelligence reports
  • Access to webcasts, podcasts
  • Exclusive whitepapers, research reports, and market data
  • Quarterly M&A, MarketPulse, and Economic Outlook reports
  • Access to NAW Nucleus, NAW SmartBrief, and NAW’s policy and leadership resources

The NAW Professional Membership is $850/year for individuals. It’s the fastest way to unlock this article — and everything else.

Unlock Premium Content


>> Explore all membership options

Related Articles

See More Articles