What is Six Sigma?
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Six Sigma is a process improvement methodology. It is a disciplined, data-driven approach for eliminating defects and waste from a process. To achieve Six Sigma, a process must not produce more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities. When we say the word defect, we’re talking about anything that falls outside of a customer’s specification.
Six Sigma uses a process called the DMAIC method. This stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. Each stage of this process is designed to help you identify, measure and improve an existing process. |
In the Define stage, you clearly define the business problem. You’ll also be defining the goal of the project, and potential resources that may be needed, and setting a high-level timeline.
The Measure stage is about establishing the current process baseline. In this step you’ll be collecting data on the process being improved. Accurate data is at the heart of the DMAIC process and a properly established Six Sigma project.
In the Analyze stage, your analyzing the data you’ve collected and looking for the root cause of problems that need to be eliminated. Detailed process maps can be created to help pin-point where in the process the root causes reside, and what might be contributing to the occurrence.
The purpose of the Improve stage is to identify, test and implement a solution to the problems identified in the Analyze stage. You’ll identify solutions to eliminate the key root causes in order to fix and prevent the process problems.
Finally, in the Control stage you’ll work to sustain the gains you’ve achieved. The changes are monitored to ensure continued and sustained success using a control plan.
When it comes to getting certified in Six Sigma, there are different levels, or belts, that are usually discussed. A Six Sigma belt level is defined by the role that someone functions at within a Six Sigma project. The three most common belts are Yellow, Green, and Black Belts. Each belt level plays an important role within the Six Sigma project.
The Six Sigma Yellow Belt is considered an expert in a particular aspect of a process being improved. They generally review current and new processes that support the project. Yellow belts have a very narrow focus within the project and can fall anywhere within the organizations hierarchy.
The Six Sigma Green Belt works within a project collecting data and assisting with the analysis of that data. Green belts may also lead smaller Six Sigma projects from time to time if they have experience.
The Six Sigma Black Belt is the leader of a Six Sigma project. They are the project managers responsible for the overall project execution. They also give instruction and training to Green belts and yellow belts.
In Six Sigma, you do not need to get certified in all of the belt levels. Most people only get certified in the belt level that they’ll be working in. When you register for a Six Sigma certification through the Management and Strategy Institute there are no prerequisites. The higher-level belts include all of the lower-level training material. For example, if you register for our Six Sigma Black Belt Professional certification, it includes all of the Yellow and Green belt training material and you will learn that material first, before moving on to the Black Belt material.
Having a Six Sigma certification on your resume shows employers that you have a strong understanding of quality and process improvement methods. In today’s corporate environment, employers are looking for employees who can fill multiple roles and do so with precision. Six Sigma methodologies are in direct alignment with these goals, which is why quality improvement-based certifications are among some of the most sought-after certifications in business today.
You can learn more about Six Sigma and the Six Sigma certifications offered through the Management and Strategy Institute by following the link below.
The Measure stage is about establishing the current process baseline. In this step you’ll be collecting data on the process being improved. Accurate data is at the heart of the DMAIC process and a properly established Six Sigma project.
In the Analyze stage, your analyzing the data you’ve collected and looking for the root cause of problems that need to be eliminated. Detailed process maps can be created to help pin-point where in the process the root causes reside, and what might be contributing to the occurrence.
The purpose of the Improve stage is to identify, test and implement a solution to the problems identified in the Analyze stage. You’ll identify solutions to eliminate the key root causes in order to fix and prevent the process problems.
Finally, in the Control stage you’ll work to sustain the gains you’ve achieved. The changes are monitored to ensure continued and sustained success using a control plan.
When it comes to getting certified in Six Sigma, there are different levels, or belts, that are usually discussed. A Six Sigma belt level is defined by the role that someone functions at within a Six Sigma project. The three most common belts are Yellow, Green, and Black Belts. Each belt level plays an important role within the Six Sigma project.
The Six Sigma Yellow Belt is considered an expert in a particular aspect of a process being improved. They generally review current and new processes that support the project. Yellow belts have a very narrow focus within the project and can fall anywhere within the organizations hierarchy.
The Six Sigma Green Belt works within a project collecting data and assisting with the analysis of that data. Green belts may also lead smaller Six Sigma projects from time to time if they have experience.
The Six Sigma Black Belt is the leader of a Six Sigma project. They are the project managers responsible for the overall project execution. They also give instruction and training to Green belts and yellow belts.
In Six Sigma, you do not need to get certified in all of the belt levels. Most people only get certified in the belt level that they’ll be working in. When you register for a Six Sigma certification through the Management and Strategy Institute there are no prerequisites. The higher-level belts include all of the lower-level training material. For example, if you register for our Six Sigma Black Belt Professional certification, it includes all of the Yellow and Green belt training material and you will learn that material first, before moving on to the Black Belt material.
Having a Six Sigma certification on your resume shows employers that you have a strong understanding of quality and process improvement methods. In today’s corporate environment, employers are looking for employees who can fill multiple roles and do so with precision. Six Sigma methodologies are in direct alignment with these goals, which is why quality improvement-based certifications are among some of the most sought-after certifications in business today.
You can learn more about Six Sigma and the Six Sigma certifications offered through the Management and Strategy Institute by following the link below.
