Six Sigma Certification: What is it and how does it work?

Reducing demand, increasing competition, investing in innovation and increasing productivity are vital strategies for the success of organizations in a crisis scenario.

In this context, the Lean Six Sigma has been proving to be an important tool in conducting business, helping companies to become more efficient, seeking to reduce costs and optimize their processes.

Lean Six Sigma main objective is to provide financial gains to companies through the improvement of existing processes. For this purpose a structured and quantitative method known as DMAIC Method is used.

What does Six Sigma mean?

Much is said about the Six Sigma methodology, which focuses on being excellent at what you do, but few can clearly explain what it means.

In fact there are several interpretations and perspectives, but let's stick to two of which we think are most appropriate:

Six Sigma is a Management Philosophy

The way to encourage all employees to improve processes and optimize results, creating a culture of continuous improvement.

A way of aligning the strategic guidelines and translating them into indicators for monitoring and optimizing results.

Six Sigma is a Quality Referential

Statistically, sigma (σ) is a letter of the Greek alphabet that represents a measure of variation: it measures the distance from a central value.

The 6 σ is a performance reference that represents a level of accuracy that tolerates a maximum of 3.4 defects * per million opportunities.

In this way, several companies use it as a benchmark to analyze and improve their internal processes.

* A defect in this context is defined as the nonconformity of a product or service to its specifications.

Why did this methodology become famous?

Six Sigma helps companies fulfill their reason for existing: generate profitability with sustainability.

The Six Sigma popularization is due to its implantation in GE - General Electric - led by then CEO Jack Welch (considered by many the greatest executive of century XX).

With approximately 6,000 projects, GE achieved savings with the deployment of Six Sigma of US $ 1.5 billion by 1999, improving its operating margin from 14.8% in 1996 to 18.9% in 2000.

Considering the success of GE , the largest global companies begin the process of implementing the Six Sigma Program.

Currently, there is a great evolution and dynamism of Six Sigma in several companies and segments, using the methodology in services such as hospitals, telecommunications companies, government institutions, banks, among others.

In some cases the Six Sigma brand is used to attract new business and / or customer loyalty. The use of Six Sigma within the Corporate Management System is aligned with organizational strategy.

Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that seeks to increase the profitability of companies through the improvement of their processes.

Thinking about you and your career, we, at Think Lean Six Sigma, created a FREE Yellow Belt training in Lean Six Sigma.In this training, we will introduce you to the DMAIC method and all its 5 steps, namely: "Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control.

With this course, you will be able to develop small improvement projects within your area of expertise and work with Green Belts and Black Belts in support of the Lean Six Sigma program.

Have you ever thought about being the agent of change within your organization? Click on the image below for more information and become a Yellow Belt, for FREE!

How does this work in practice?

1º - The first step is the qualification of the employees to be able to lead an improvement project (Yellow / Green / Black and Master Black Belts).

2º - Subsequently the company must identify the main needs and opportunities for improvement, always aligned with the strategic guidelines of the organization.

3º - A Six Sigma project can be created when is identified a process with high variability, which has a significant impact on customer satisfaction, with an unknown solution and that generates a financial return.

For this project a team with clearly defined responsibilities is formed. This team will use the DMAIC methodology in search of variability reduction. In general, the duration of a project is around 4 to 6 months, depending on its complexity.

The tools adopted by the methodology are mostly the same ones that have been used by quality systems, with the great difference that the structure of a Six Sigma project can potentiate the result, since the objectives of the improvement project are aligned with the goals of the company.

What typical structure of implantation?

Six Sigma is related to the engagement of people, so training is the key point of the methodology.

The knowledge acquired is rated similar to martial arts classification:

White Belts: operational-level professionals who are trained in the basics of Six Sigma to perform routine actions to assist Yellow, Green and Black Belts in the course of Six Sigma projects within the company.

Yellow Belts: Tactical-level business professionals who are trained in Six Sigma fundamentals so they can support Black Belts and Green Belts in project implementation.

With a theoretical basis that is not deepened in Six Sigma concepts, especially regarding the statistical content, Yellow Belts help in the use of Six Sigma tools in the day to day routine of the organization, being able to develop small projects of improvement in its area of performance.

Green Belts: Often managers and engineers at the supervisory level who devote part of their time (usually about 20 to 30 percent of the time) to continuous improvement activities and execution of Six Sigma projects, responding hierarchically to their immediate superior.

Black Belts: level for professionals with effective position in the company hierarchy, responding directly or indirectly to the Master Black Belt (MBB).

They are also connected to the management area of the organization and preferably provide 100% of their time to the Six Sigma program. They mainly work in the execution and the monitoring of projects.

Master Black Belt: they are able to direct Six Sigma strategies within an organization, supporting Green Belts and Black Belts. They also develop competencies and skills related to leadership, communication, project management and organizational results, as well as bringing elements with a focus on management and business.

The great differential in this professional lies in the emphasis given to the process of identifying projects that will be responsible for implementing the methodology successfully.

Six Sigma Team: It exists during the development period of the project and is made up of 5 to 7 elements that are deep connoisseurs of the process that is desired to be improved. Team members can be fixed throughout the project or there may be elements that participate for short periods only when their presence is required.

How about the process of CERTIFICATION of specialists? How it works?

The first step towards certification is academic training. With the training, participants receive a certificate of participation in the Green Belts or Black Belts Training in Lean Six Sigma and can initiate the development of the projects.

The specialists are professionals who have undergone training and had the opportunity to lead the execution of an improvement project using Lean Six Sigma principles.

Applicants can submit their Lean Six Sigma project and in accordance with the certification requirements and standards receive the title of Specialist Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Specialist Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

Certification puts the professional on another level in the job market, as it proves the execution of a Six Sigma project and the achievement of results, showing that the professional is trained in a methodology recognized worldwide, and that is increasingly valued in Brazil.

Interesting, but what do I get out of it?

- Employability: the market searches for professionals able to reduce costs and optimize resources.

- Higher Wages: ASQ in 2014 stated that a Six Sigma professional earns 12% more than other professionals in the same industry.

- Versatility of Performance: Six Sigma allows acting in the most diverse companies and sectors.

- Curricular Differential: your resume starts to compete with the best job opportunities.

- Credibility: your resume starts to compete with the best job opportunities.

The certification demonstrates that the professional is qualified to deal with complex situations and ready to solve them, contributing to the improvement of the performance of your organization.

Is Six Sigma For Me?

For your career:

Why specializing in Six Sigma can be a promotion and a differentiator in your resume?

A survey by ASQ in 2014 stated that a Six Sigma professional earn 12% more than other professionals in the same industry.

We have seen in recent studies that Black Belt candidates have in the average 15-20% higher salaries than non-certified professionals.

This is easily explained by the paucity of this kind of knowledge between job applicants and the return that the professional is able to bring to the company.

In a lack of jobs scenario, companies become more rigorous in the selection of professionals.

Analytical capability, problem solving and results generation. Competencies of a high performance professional and developed during Six Sigma training.

The Six sigma certificate has been a prerequisite for many positions in major organizations in Brazil and the search for professionals for project certification has become even greater in times of crisis.

The reason is simple: at this time companies are looking for professionals who can reduce costs, increase productivity and improve results.

Having a Six Sigma certification in the curriculum represents being able to carry out projects where immediate and sustainable financial results are expected.

Demonstrates that the professional is qualified to deal with complex situations and ready to solve them, contributing to the improvement of the performance of your organization.

Can Anyone Specialize in Six Sigma?

"Students, System Quality Managers, Supervisors, Operations Managers, Finance and Commercial Managers ..."

There are no impediments! From students interested in improving their knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and winning one of the most valued certifications in the market.

There are tactical and strategic professionals interested in becoming transnational project improvement specialists in your company and leveraging results from your processes.

It is suggested that the student has profile to lead teams and be motivated by the challenge of promoting organizational change.

What will I be able to do by becoming a Green / Black Belt?

- Lead improvement teams in industrial areas, administrative and corporate sectors

- Conduct Lean Six Sigma projects using DMAIC method

- Be able to use statistics to analyze data and extract information

- Acting as an organizational consultant: from strategic vision to organizational support of companies or as a direct employee

- Provide Yellow Belt and Green Belt extension training (in the case of the Black Belt)

For Your Company:

Why Does My Company Need Six Sigma?

Six Sigma helps improve the level of service offered to the customer, works the efficiency of internal processes, reduces costs of poor quality, and helps identify and eliminate activities that do not add value to customers. In short: Make Money!

What is the great methodology secret?

Education: Six Sigma values the human capital of the company and creates the engagement of employees in the search of what really matters: RESULTS! This is the big secret.

Each one understands their contribution in the process and is stimulated to generate direct results in the performance of the company and understand the strategic challenges

Employees are indeed the great differential of companies. Machines do not develop successful companies!

Only people are able to innovate, critically analyze and improve processes.

Successful people build successful businesses.

Do you want to learn more about Lean Six Sigma?

It's time for you to start your training in one of the most valued methodologies on the market!

With our Green Belt training in Lean Six Sigma, you will develop fundamental skills and knowledge for your professional growth!

Our teaching methodology has content such as videos, exercises, complementary readings and personal assistance, so you can take the next step towards Green Belt professional recognition in Lean Six Sigma.

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