Lean Six Sigma: The Perfect Methodology

Six Sigma is a methodology that works towards achieving perfection in its processes. It was first introduced by Motorola in 1985. By reduction of defects, Six Sigma saves time and money and contributes to customer satisfaction. It is used both in the existing products and services and also new products and services. Six sigma is a unique philosophy and is quite often a target for achievement in many organisations.

Six Sigma training consists of the following main training:

SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT TRAINING: This is a route which will lead you from being a team member to the position of a project manager through the acquisition of relevant skills. Once you have demonstrated your ability as a six sigma yellow belt moving on to six sigma green belt training would be the most obvious route. This training focuses on the basics of six sigma framework, variations and processes.

SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT CERTIFICATION: With this certification, you will acquire the ability to analyse and solves problems qualitatively and also demonstrate a solid knowledge of six sigma tools and processes. You would be basically working as a support to Six sigma black belt and under its supervision.

SIX SIGMA BLACK BELT TRAINING: This training will make you an expert in process improvement. Problems are attended to for considerable cost savings, improved quality and provide significant benefits to customers and suppliers. They are mentors to six sigma green belts and the newer black belts.

SIX SIGMA BLACK BELT CERTIFICATION- With the six sigma black belt certification demonstrates your sound understanding of six sigma philosophies and principles and also a thorough understanding of all aspects of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control) model in sync. with six sigma principles.

Six sigma has been combined with another concept called ‘lean’. Lean basically consists of the elimination of wasteful functions and processes of an organisation.

Lean Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma courses impart lean six sigma training that is an integrated managerial approach of combining lean and six sigma. This process utilises the concept of DMAIC. The trainee personnel are designated and classified as per the martial arts classification system i.e white belts, yellow belts, green belts, black belts and master black belts.

THE WHITE BELTS: They go through a complex level overview based training. They get well familiarised with some basic terminology about six sigma. They assist green belts or black belts with data collection.
THE GREEN BELTS: They are trained from a few days up to two weeks and basically focus on projects in their own functional areas. They are not well acquainted with advanced six sigma concepts.
BLACK BELTS: They are trained for a period of a week to four weeks. They are capable of working on strategically more complex and cross-functional projects.
MASTER BLACK BELTS: They mentor and coach green belts and black belts. They also take on bigger projects for a large company.
YELLOW BELTS: They review the improvement of processes and assist and support the project.

A six sigma certification involves knowledge of concepts and their practical application. The company that hires the institute or the institute itself conducts the test. It is an integrated module of online and classroom training. Six sigma is the most user-friendly tool for devising a near defection strategy.