Are you a company active in a competitive field, and your primary concern is improving the productivity of your employees and eliminating bloat that negatively affects your production line?
In that case, your long-term success will be influenced by the business strategy you want to follow. Is your firm focused on product quality, and do you wish to achieve a ratio of less than 3.4 defects per million products manufactured?
If so, the Six Sigma methodology is the only way for your business vision to emerge. However, the success of Six Sigma will depend on your staff’s expertise.
Why should you invest in the technical training of your workforce? Expertise and cost reductions. Employees who have earned a Six Sigma "Black Belt" certification possess the skills necessary to contribute to internal projects that will streamline the internal procedures used in the production line.
Plus, they will enhance the efficiency of the rest of your internal departments. Six Sigma leaders can devise strategies to eliminate ongoing inefficiencies in the product production process and consistently analyze the data collected with professional software, discovering the root causes of the inadequacies and proposing bespoke fixes.
The more trained your employees are, the higher your customer satisfaction will be and the better your products will perform. Sigma Six "Black Belt" certification holders benefit from the knowledge needed to use statistical analysis in their data-driven decision-making, act as mentors to the rest of their colleagues, have the management and practical skills required to adapt to market changes, and foster future managers who are just starting in your organization.
What Tiers Are There for the Six Sigma Program?
Are you one of the more than six million employers active in the United States? If so, you most likely want your employees to have at least some training in Six Sigma. What are the tiers of the Six Sigma philosophy? The first one is the " White Belts," who are individuals introduced to the basic concepts of the Six Sigma philosophy without being directly involved in internal projects. "White Belt" possessors have only a basic understanding of the Six Sigma concept and do not have the necessary knowledge to handle projects.
"Yellow Belts," on the other hand, have a fundamental knowledge of Six Sigma dogma and understand some of the tools used in the statistical analysis processes specific to DMAIC. "Yellow Belts" work in collaboration with "Green Belts," who have an in-depth understanding of the internal elements of the Six Sigma Framework and who can lead small-scale projects as long as their superiors approve them. "Green Belt" graduates focus on data collection and analysis and can use specific strategies such as hypothesis testing or process mapping.
The holders of a Six Sigma "Black Belt" certification possess advanced knowledge of statistical analysis. They can apply central limit theory or full factorials to the internal processes of your business. "Black belts" are accountable for the performance of the Six Sigma strategy; they ensure sustainable results that are compatible with DMAIC dogma and assist the "Master Black Belt" holders in the coaching and mentoring of white, green, or yellow belt bearers.
Why Are the Tiers of the Six Sigma Program Called Belts?
Like with martial disciplines, belts represent the level of expertise of Six Sigma graduates and are a tool by which companies can determine the level of responsibility offered to each individual. "White Belts" have only a basic knowledge of DMAIC processes and cannot be left to manage internal projects. Six Sigma "Black Belt" certification holders, on the other hand, are experts in the Six Sigma philosophy and can, therefore, be responsible for the implementation of the DMAIC framework or the strategy performance analysis process.
Belts are intended to provide a hierarchy and to differentiate the level of specialization of Six Sigma graduates. Moreover, they are easily recognizable distinctions, which, due to standardization, are applicable to companies from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. But, in the business world, this is not always a given. Let's take the Agile/Scrum methodology where graduates can be "Agile Certified Practitioners," "Professional Scrum Masters, or "Certified Scrum Masters." Or we can give the example of Project Management certifications, where institutions such as the PMI and APM offer accreditations that are similar to each other.
Six Sigma certifications are standardized and easier to understand than those required for proficiency in other business methodologies. Are you a beginner just starting to gain inside knowledge about the impact of the DMAIC framework on business effectiveness? Then, you are a "White Belt". Are you a Six Sigma "Black Belt" certification holder? In that case, you clearly possess the knowledge necessary to handle complex internal projects and train novices. Six Sigma certifications are simple to understand. And in the business environment, this is a refreshing change.
What Are the Advantages for Individuals?
Six Sigma certification courses can provide you with the knowledge to apply professional statistical tools and techniques for the internal strategies utilized by your employer. In addition, Six Sigma is a philosophy often encountered at the enterprise level. Therefore, obtaining a certification will coincide with professional advancement. Do you hold a "Black Belt" certification? If so, this is a sign to employers that you are qualified for leadership positions and that you have the necessary knowledge to manage your team.
Obtaining a Six Sigma belt will bring you critical financial benefits and increase the chances that internationally active companies will view your CV. Plus, the leadership experience you gain will be invaluable in preparing you for your leadership position, as you will acquire the knowledge necessary to streamline the internal processes used by your employer. Obtaining a Six Sigma certification comes with tangible professional benefits. For this reason, although Six Sigma is not at its peak anymore, a Yellow, Green, or Black Belt certification remains an essential bonus on any resume.
The Best Idea for Your Professional Development
Are you interested in obtaining your Six Sigma "Black Belt" certification? In that case, you are most likely a person thinking about professional development. Completing a Six Sigma course will give you the knowledge necessary to advance professionally, introduce you to complex statistical analysis concepts, and be a bonus that future employees will notice. A Six Sigma certification is an excellent addition to any CV as it demonstrates that you have the right skills and mindset to lead and oversee the accurate implementation of modern business methodologies.
Moreover, for companies, investing in Six Sigma certifications comes with clear advantages, especially from a financial point of view. Are you the owner of a business active in a competitive field? Do you want the performance of your products to increase and your defect rate to be halved? If so, Six Sigma is the solution.
However, the correct implementation of this methodology can only be done if you invest in the proper training of your employees. Long-term, Six Sigma-trained staff will contribute to the efficiency of your internal procedures, increase the profitability of your products, and support the financial stability of your venture.