How Does Six Sigma Help Process Improvement?
First, let’s understand the meaning of Six Sigma and; its different certification tiers. Six Sigma is a series of processes and techniques employed by businesses to enhance their manufacturing operations, reduce flaws, and ensure standards.
Obtaining a six sigma certification typically necessitates a specific degree of expertise and the ability to demonstrate competency. The credential could help you become a process development expert while boosting your reputation. The Lean Six Sigma certification validates experts capable of detecting and eliminating threats, flaws, or faults in institutional processes.
Six Sigma and Lean techniques are both present in Lean Six Sigma. According to Ungar, traditional Six Sigma urges black belt engineers for data and analytics usage to solve operational problems. On the contrary, the Lean concept stresses crew working together to identify solutions to diminish inefficiency and wastage in a specific operation.
Few certifying bodies use Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma correspondently. Other certifiers provide separate Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma certification paths. For instance, Six Sigma certification is best for personnel and Lean Six Sigma training for defence and public-sector workers. When deciding between Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma, one must look over the curriculum structure to see which is best suitable for them.
Everything you need to know about six sigma certification
Now that we know what a six sigma certification is, let’s look at the various tiers of Six Sigma. Six Sigma certification has six levels reflecting an expert’s abilities, expertise, understanding of Six Sigma concepts, and position in an assignment. Except for the master’s black belt, no qualifications are necessary, so one may get going with whatever level seems most appropriate for the job.
- Six Sigma White Belt: Professionals pursuing white belts learn about teammates’ duties and how they may help a firm become more efficient. They understand the DMAIC method and associated tools, focusing on eliminating waste in most cases. This six sigma certification may need up to eight hours of lessons and a test, depending on the course.
- Six Sigma Yellow Belt: Yellow belts study the using Six Sigma in the office and help enhance operations or design project plans, which specify the parameters and actions that require completion. They also comprehend the fundamentals of data acquisition. Yellow belts are subject matter specialists who are not capable of leading a team but may assist green or black belt program managers. Yellow belt six sigma certification takes longer than white belt training, with sessions averaging roughly 20 hours plus a test.
- Six Sigma Green Belt: The Six Sigma green belt is for executives in charge of advancing, detecting, or refining operations. They comprehend not just the basics of Lean Six Sigma but also DMAIC, and they also oversee groups involved in minor tasks or help black belt supervisors. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification takes two to five weeks to complete and includes a test. This six sigma green belt training is suitable for middle-level supervisors or practitioners in product testing and standard maintenance, program management, financial planning, structural or production engineering, or public healthcare administration.
- Six Sigma Black Belts: Six Sigma black belts, unlike green belts, are experts who can supervise or teach groups of lower tiers. Managing Six Sigma initiatives is a full-time responsibility for these executives. They should have exceptional guidance and soft skills since their duty involves mentoring and delegating tasks to the team. This Six Sigma certification usually lasts a month. The third and fourth weeks involve knowledge and assignments specific to the organisation. But, Some programmes while implementing Six Sigma training techniques provide instruction for up to 16 weeks.
- Six Sigma Master Black Belt: Master black belts should compulsorily have expertise in implementing the Six Sigma black belt for a minimum of five years. They are often considered internal counsellors who address issues and give technical advice. Master black belts are in charge of planning, project identification, and communication with senior management personnel. They may also build or modify training manuals and educate others about Lean Six Sigma principles. This Six Sigma certification might require as little as seven weeks, depending entirely on the programme.
An essential guide to lean six sigma green belt certification
The Six Sigma Green Belt training is just after the yellow belt in the certification process of Lean Six Sigma. At this stage, the method of implementing six sigma becomes a part of the curriculum. It is not compulsory to have Yellow Belt certification to apply for Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. The six sigma green belt training equips you to lead Lean Six Sigma projects in their entirety and teaches the method of implementing Six Sigma. A Greenbelt Lean Six Sigma practitioner is aware of all the D-M-A-I-C stages. The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification will assist in improving the person’s abilities, allowing him to work as a standard maintenance Manager, Lean Production Expert, Lean Production Supervisor, Quality Researcher, and so on.
This certification is suitable for the following individuals:
- Delivery chief
- Data researcher
- Task supervisors
- Experts in Systems Integration
- Program Directors
- Heads of Operation Teams
Conclusion:
Choosing the best lean six sigma green belt certification is crucial for your career as it has vast career implications. There are several different six sigma green belt training programs to decide among; as a result, the process becomes both tiresome and difficult. Each program has a unique approach to the topic. So, while deciding which course to go with, one must do thorough research on the possible options and only select the one catering to the individualistic needs of the person. One must not listen to reviews and decide depending on personal research.