Lean Six Sigma: Success Defined

WHAT IS SIX SIGMA?

Six Sigma is an approach that is based on data. Its goal is to achieve near-zero defects. The main focus is on the elimination of defects almost completely. This approach is used in manufacturing, transactions, products and services.

Six Sigma can be achieved if out of total productivity of a million there are no more than 3.4 defects. Whenever there is a deviation from customer specifications it results in a Six Sigma defect. Six Sigma is based on the principle of improvement of projects and variation reduction.

Six Sigma processes fall under two categories:

DMAIC-Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control-its focus is on improving existing processes which fall short of set standards.

DMADV-Define, Measure, Analyse, Design, Verify-This emphasises the development of new processes and products at a Six Sigma level-based approach to quality.

SIX SIGMA TRAINING

Six Sigma courses support the following roles which are required to be carried out for successful implementation:

Executive leader
Champions
Master Black Belts
Green Belts

WHAT IS LEAN?

The concept of lean focuses on cutting out wasteful processes in the functions and processes of an organisation.

LEAN SIX SIGMA COURSES

Lean Six Sigma courses are a balanced blend of lean and six sigma. They are based on the concept of DMAIC. The employees are designated as per the martial arts classification system i.e white belts, yellow belts, green belts, black belts and master black belts.

THE WHITE BELTS: It starts with an introduction to some basic terminology. They perform a support function to green belts or black belts and this involves data collection. It lasts for a brief period of up to four hours.

THE GREEN BELTS: The training starts from a few days up to two weeks and lays emphasis on employee-specific functional areas. They are not familiar with higher levels of advanced concepts of six sigma courses.

BLACK BELTS: The training period consists of a week to four weeks. It involves being able to manage strategically more complex and cross-functional projects.

MASTER BLACK BELTS: They lead and coach green belts and black belts. They also manage more complex business projects.

YELLOW BELTS: They track and monitor the improvement of processes and assist and support the project.

SIX SIGMA CERTIFICATION-ITS SIGNIFICANCE

The Six Sigma certification is important because:

The proficiency of the subject is defined.
Gives a considerable hike to the pay package.
It is a highly sought after and valued qualification for and by the prospective employers.

SIX SIGMA CERTIFICATION

A six sigma certification involves learning the relevant subject matter, passing a written proficiency test and being able to demonstrate a practical application to real work environments. There are a number of institutes that offer these courses. The training is the right blend of online and classroom training. The tests are administered by the training institutes or the businesses hiring them.

GO FOR IT!

In a nutshell, to gain that competitive edge in the market and to boost the value of your resume Six Sigma is the right choice. Now is the time to go for it!