Lean Six Sigma qualifications are increasing in popularity as a method of business improvement and streamlining. Companies that are passionate about improving processes and increasing efficiency are turning to the Lean Six Sigma method to fulfill their needs. In the current economic climate, companies are always looking for the best ways to reduce cost, measure output and ensure that they have the most effective practices in place to manage the business processes.
Lean Six Sigma is one of the most highly respected methodologies for implementing these business practices. Having Lean Six Sigma qualifications will demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skill to improve the daily running and various performance aspects of the business. This is particularly important for contractors in Business Development.
Lean Six Sigma offers four levels of understanding and training that will validate different capabilities to a current, or potential, employer.
The 3 Lean Six Sigma Qualifications
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
The Yellow Belt is the first Lean Six Sigma level. It is the most basic of the levels and is aimed at giving an overview of what is involved in Lean Six Sigma and the methods that are used. Employers will want staff trained in this level so that they have an understanding of how the company makes use of the method. Getting to know the procedures will facilitate the avoidance of problems in communication and interpretation across departments.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
The Green Belt certification is the second level of Lean Six Sigma. This level is more in-depth than the Yellow Belt and is mainly focused on the usage of tools, DMAIC (main tools of Lean Six Sigma) and the Lean principles application. Generally, the knowledge here is applied to one specific area of business improvement and quantifies outcomes in a particular area. Contractors often study to this level as they may be required to improve one department or area and not every aspect of a company’s processes.
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
The Black Belt is the highest level of Lean Six Sigma training that is offered. At this level, you will learn to improve processes in eight key areas; and to quantify the results of these changes over an extended period of time. Using the programme mini-tab, you will be able to statistically analyse outputs to produce detailed reports on results of the Lean Six Sigma application. The Black Belt certification will qualify you to undertake the business as a whole and examine every department related to the eight key areas used in the method. This is to ensure ongoing streamlining and improvement in those areas to maximise the benefits to the company and reduce wastage.
With Lean Six Sigma qualifications and two years, or more, experience in using the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt level, you can achieve the Master Black Belt status. This will validate that you are not only certified, but that you have the knowledge and experience required to teach the Lean Six Sigma methodology to others as well.
The Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt is ideal for employees who need to have an understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and the ability to comprehend improvement in certain areas of the business. Employers will look for a candidate with Green Belt certification when there is a need to both improve, and maintain improvements, in specific areas of business performance. You will need to quantify the outcomes of these improvements using statistical analysis. Black Belt qualifications are for those who are driven to succeed in a business improvement role. This level will provide the ability to produce detailed statistical reports and to lead projects on a full time basis.
The Lean Six Sigma Belt that you study, and the level of qualification you achieve, will ultimately be based on what your employer requires. All levels of Lean Six Sigma are desirable to a company as improving efficiency and reducing waste are areas that are increasingly going under the microscope for many businesses. Gain a Lean Six Sigma certification and provide a business with the tools necessary to become the best performing business that it can be.
