There’s six sigma, and then there’s lean six sigma. Experts are often involved in debates and studies regarding the differences between the two quality control business methodologies. However, each of the methods has its programs and courses. Certain levels exist upon the completion of which belts are awarded to the individuals. Having a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification shows that a person is an expert in this method, focusing on the DMAIC model. Having a black belt in it benefits both the individual and the organization in the long run. Read on to find out what this certification is all about, its benefits, and other related things.
What is the difference between six sigma and lean six sigma?
Lean six sigma amalgamates its approaches with those of six sigma. While the six sigma methodology seeks to minimize errors, eliminate defects, reduce variations, and enhance efficiency and output, this method aims at providing maximum returns to customers in the shortest possible time with minimum investment. Wasteful steps are sought to be eliminated to help add overall value to a product. However, although both methodologies can be applied by organizations separately, the best results are seen when combined into an integrated approach.
What is the importance of the certification?
An individual with this certification can manage projects, mentor green belt holders, occupy leadership positions, and contribute to overall excellence. They possess significant knowledge about its methods and principles, including the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control). They also ensure that proper and effective communication is maintained in a strategy and may work as an internal consultant and manage several teams at once.
Topics covered in the black belt certification
A variety of topics are covered in the certification program. These are attribute measurements, whole factorial experiments, fractional factorial designs, sample size calculations, and attribute measurement systems. Topics also include managing change, brainstorming methods, blocking in experiments, non-normal data distribution, sequential experimentation, transactional improvement, simulations for improvement, and residual analysis. In addition, an individual will also learn how to apply the DMAIC principles to various project stages, delegate tasks and responsibilities to team members, and enhance process improvement modules and techniques.
What are the eligibility criteria?
The eligibility criteria may vary from one course or program to another. Individuals should have three years of work experience or have completed two lean six sigma projects. Anybody who wants to take this course should also have a basic understanding of MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, and other Microsoft tools and applications. It would also be helpful if the individual were acquainted with the Minitab software, which aids in data analysis. It is an easy way to enter statistical data, manipulate it, identify patterns and apply it to the current issues. In addition, some knowledge of SigmaXL will also be helpful. It is a cheap but effective tool that helps to enhance the entire manufacturing process.
Who should take the program?
Anybody who wants to further their career prospects, including higher salary, should take the certification program. However, those it will mainly benefit are supervisors, analysts, auditors, green belt holders, yellow belt holders, quality system managers, and related positions within an organization.
What kind of jobs can a black belt certificate holder get?
Many jobs are suitable for a black belt holder in lean six sigma in multinational corporations, businesses, and organizations worldwide. Some are project managers, quality consultants, process analysts, operation managers, and continuous improvement managers. Sectors where this method is widely utilized, are healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and military.
How does the certification benefit organizations?
While it helps individuals in their careers in several ways, including higher salaries, it also benefits organizations and businesses tremendously. Companies look for these belt holders since they can deliver high performances in a short time. Some other ways it benefits organizations are by increasing their revenues, maximizing profit margins, reducing errors and costs, ensuring customer satisfaction, focusing on data-driven results, increasing the overall productivity, and enhancing the process efficiency.
How is this belt different from a six sigma belt?
It is commonly believed that a six sigma and a lean six sigma black belt certification program is the same thing, which it is not. The difference is while a certification in six sigma is limited only to its methodologies and programs, a certificate holder in lean six sigma will be an expert and possess vast knowledge in both methods.
Having a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification is beneficial for your career in the short and long run. It equips you with expertise and skills in various methodologies and ensures that you become an asset to your business or organization.