Risk Register

A Risk Register in Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a structured document used to identify, assess, and manage risks that could impact the success of a project. It’s a proactive tool that helps teams anticipate challenges and plan mitigation strategies before issues escalate.

📄 Purpose

• Visibility: Centralizes all known risks in one place.

• Prioritization: Helps teams focus on high-impact risks first.

• Accountability: Assigns ownership for monitoring and resolving risks.

• Decision Support: Provides data for sponsors to make informed choices.

• Continuous Improvement: Encourages proactive thinking rather than reactive firefighting.

✅ Value in LSS Projects

• Prevents surprises by anticipating risks early.

• Builds trust with stakeholders by showing proactive management.

• Strengthens the Define and Control phases of DMAIC.

• Provides a living document that evolves as the project progresses.

🔧 When to Use

• Define phase: Capture initial risks when scoping the project.

• Throughout DMAIC: Update as new risks emerge.

• Control phase: Document residual risks and monitoring plans.

Takeaway: The Risk Register is the safety net of Lean Six Sigma projects—it ensures risks are visible, prioritized, and actively managed, so improvements are delivered smoothly and sustainably.