What Is the Six Sigma Methodology, and How Does This Approach Work?
Posted on 12/15/2018 by Niko Venev
Simply put, Six Sigma is a process that is meant to improve continuously upon several different aspects of a business. It can reduce defects, limit waste, streamline the delivery of goods or services to customers, improve profitability, and contribute to the health of a company’s culture. Six Sigma basics can be applied to nearly all businesses, and positive results can be expected as long as employers and employees diligently analyze data and stay committed to improving operations and customer experiences.
Live Six Sigma Instructor-led Courses |
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| Course Title | Length | Price (USD) |
| Introduction to Lean Six Sigma | 1 day | $500 |
| Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt | 3 days | $1,500 |
| Lean Six Sigma Green Belt | 4 days | $2,000 |
| Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | 5 days | $2,500 |
Self-Paced Six Sigma eLearning |
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| Course Title | Length | Price (USD) |
| Six Sigma eLearning Bundle | 6 courses | $825 |
What Is the Concept of Six Sigma?
There’s much to be said when employers and employees ask, “What is Six Sigma?” Concept basics can vary a little depending on the particular methodology that is followed, but the core of the program tends to remain the same. When businesses adhere to the Six Sigma process, they commit themselves to:
- Understanding how work is produced
- Decreasing potential defects and reducing waste
- Increasing profitability and lowering costs
- Improving the customer or client experience
- Creating productive teams and leaders
A Six Sigma methodology can be applied to any corporation or small business, regardless of whether you manufacture products or provide a service. When you use Six Sigma, your goal is to use data and analysis to aim for only 3.4 defects or fewer per million opportunities. Ultimately, when you use Six Sigma, your target should be the perfect customer experience, and anything that fails to meet that expectation will be considered a defect.
What Are the Basic Principles of Six Sigma?
To understand this highly systematic approach to streamlining output, you first have to realize that there are variants of Six Sigma. The methodology can differ depending on whether you subscribe to the traditional version of Six Sigma or use the more modern Lean Six Sigma.
Further, different steps may need to be taken if you follow the Six Sigma DMAIC cycle for improving existing processes or the Six Sigma DMADV framework for creating new ones. Despite these differences, there are basic guiding principles that inform the Six Sigma process, regardless of which particular methodology you choose to learn and incorporate into your business.
Focus on the Customer
One of the core principles of Six Sigma revolves around being a consummate professional and focusing on serving customers. To increase profitability through production, you must find out what customers need or want, establish a baseline that meets these requirements or the quality that they’re seeking, and maintain that level throughout your production process.
Understand Your Production Model
Before you can make improvements to your production process using Six Sigma techniques, you’ll have to determine how your production process works. This goes beyond a basic understanding and necessitates advanced measurements and statistics. Using those hard figures, you can then identify variations in production and where potential problems that lead to waste and defects may lie.
Eliminate Variation
A primary characteristic of the Six Sigma approach aims to remove variation so that waste and defects become a thing of the past. For this to be successful, you’ll have to continually assess your production models and look for ways to improve your workflow. Although it’s not always convenient, it’s important to remember that the Six Sigma process is an ongoing affair that requires you to be very active in its technique deployment.
Invite Your Employees Into the Process
The Six Sigma methodology can only work when all employees buy into the basic concept. Six Sigma is highly specialized and requires that employees always be mindful, communicate clearly with others, and welcome change and improvements. Training employees to understand Six Sigma can increase your chances of success. At Certstaffix Training, we provide a number of belt and methodology-specific courses designed to educate employees at all levels; these classes are taught by live instructors for a superior online learning experience.
Commit to Flexibility and Thorough Analysis
Since the success of Six Sigma hinges on the ability to make improvements through changes, employees and business owners need always to be open to reassessments and should be able to adapt to changes in the name of implementing better production models. Precise figures pertaining to operational data, profitability, and workflow statistics should always be referred to if you want to incorporate Six Sigma into your business successfully. Some of these processes may require a shift in company culture, but these modifications can be considered investments when you find that you can reduce waste, increase profits, and serve your customers better.
Explore Six Sigma Training Classes Near Me:
Certstaffix Training provides Six Sigma classes near me or online, depending on the number of students involved. We offer online courses for individual learners, as well as in person classes at your office for corporate groups. Our trainers are highly experienced professionals with the expertise necessary to help you gain a thorough understanding of Six Sigma concepts and tools. With our courses available online for individuals or in person for corporate groups, it's easy to develop your Six Sigma skills. Start learning today and see how Certstaffix Training can help you reach your goals.
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How Much Do Six Sigma Training Courses Cost?
Public instructor-led Six Sigma course prices start at $500 per student. Group training discounts are available.
Self-Paced Six Sigma eLearning courses cost $825 at the starting point per student. Group purchase discounts are available.
What Six Sigma Skills Should I Learn?
A: If you are wondering what Six Sigma skills are important to learn, we've written a Six Sigma Skills and Learning Guide that maps out Six Sigma skills that are key to master and which of our courses teaches each skill.
Read Our Six Sigma Skills and Learning Guide
What Will Six Sigma Training and Certification Cost?
A: The cost for Six Sigma training and certification will depend on the belt color you want to train for, the organizations from which you get training and certification, and the particular Six Sigma methodology to which you subscribe. Since Six Sigma can be loosely defined by organizations, many variables can impact your expenses. Generally, you can expect costs and time requirements to rise in correlation with higher degrees of belt certification, and hundreds can be spent for training and certification for each employee.
More Information on the Investment Needed to Become Six Sigma-Certified
What Are the Basics of the Six Sigma Concept?
A: At its core, the concept of Six Sigma provides a road map for excellence and near-perfection for a company's operations. Using data and statistical analysis, employers and employees can continuously improve upon a company's processes to produce fewer defects, experience fewer variables, reduce waste and costs, increase profits, and improve upon customer satisfaction. The successful application of Six Sigma requires that its proponents flawlessly follow a prescribed methodology, welcome change, and expertly work together. For some businesses, the adoption of Six Sigma can influence the very culture of a company.
What Is Six Sigma Certification, and What Training Is Required?
A: Six Sigma training is intended to prepare professionals to take exams for certification, showing that they’re experts in these process management techniques. Training criteria can vary depending on whether professionals are preparing to test for Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma certification and the particular belt color desired. While some organizations and programs bundle training and certification, it can be prudent and sometimes less expensive to get training from third-party providers. Eligibility requirements for certification can be contingent upon the belt color pursued and can include work experience, formal education, or official project completions.
More Information on What Six Sigma Is and How to Get Certified
What Is Lean Six Sigma, and How Do You Get Certification for It?
A: Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that seeks to improve the process of production and, ultimately, customer satisfaction. Adherents to the methodology regularly analyze business processes for unnecessary variances and waste using the mnemonic device “DOWNTIME.” While Six Sigma can focus on the manufacturing process, Lean Six Sigma can be applied to additional aspects of a business and can even affect a company’s culture. Earning a yellow, green, or black belt in Lean Six Sigma consists of two steps: preparing for the certification exam (often by taking courses like ours) and passing the test, which is administered by a third-party credentialing organization.
More Information on What Lean Six Sigma Is and How You Get Certification for It
Is it worth getting Lean Six Sigma certified?
A: There are many reasons to consider getting Lean Six Sigma certified. This type of certification can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs, and it can also help you improve your current job performance. Certification can also give you access to exclusive networking opportunities and resources.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get certified is up to you. If you feel that certification could benefit your career, then it may be worth the investment. However, if you are already performing well in your role and don't feel that certification is necessary, then you may want to forego the extra expense.
Is Lean Six Sigma in demand?
A: Six Sigma is a quality management strategy that has been adopted by many businesses in recent years. The popularity of Six Sigma can be attributed to its proven track record of improving quality and efficiency in organizations.
Despite its widespread adoption, there is still some debate about the demand for Lean Six Sigma training. Some experts believe that the market for Six Sigma training is saturated, while others believe that there is still strong demand for qualified Six Sigma practitioners. It comes down to the industry you are involved with.
The truth is that the demand for Lean Six Sigma training varies depending on the specific industry and job market. In some industries, such as manufacturing, there is still high demand for Six Sigma-trained professionals. In other industries, such as healthcare, the demand for Six Sigma training may be waning as other quality improvement strategies become more popular.
The best way to determine if there is demand for Lean Six Sigma training in your specific industry is to consult with experts in your field. If you are interested in pursuing Six Sigma training, Certstaffix Training can help you find the right course to meet your needs.
Who should take Six Sigma training?
A: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best Six Sigma training option for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. However, in general, Six Sigma training is beneficial for anyone who wants to learn more about quality improvement methods and how to apply them in a business setting. This type of training can be especially helpful for those who work in quality assurance or management roles, as well as for those who are interested in pursuing a Six Sigma certification.
Certstaffix Training offers 4 levels of Six Sigma training, depending on the level of involvement with Six Sigma you plan on having:
- Introduction to Lean Six Sigma - 1 day
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt - 3 days
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt - 4 days
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt 5 days
What are the top Six Sigma skills?
A: There are a number of Six Sigma skills that are essential for success in any role within a Six Sigma organization. These skills include:
Top Six Sigma Skills
1. Understanding and applying the Six Sigma DMAIC process.
2. Being able to effectively use data analysis tools and techniques.
3. Having strong project management skills.
4. Being able to lead and motivate teams.
5. Being able to communicate effectively, both verbally and written.
6. Having a strong understanding of quality management principles and practices.
These are just some of the skills that are considered essential for success in any role within a Six Sigma organization. Individuals who possess these skills will be in high demand and will be able to command premium salaries. If you are looking to enter the field of Six Sigma, or move up within an organization, it is important that you focus on developing these skills.