Six Sigma certification is a process of certification that tests the ability of an individual to implement techniques and concepts involved in Six Sigma.
These techniques focus on problem-solving skills, statistical tools, testing various designs within the product or service for quality improvement, etc. The Six Sigma certification and training levels start with Lead Front Line Supervisor (LFLS) and go all the way up to Master Black Belt (MBB).
Levels of Six Sigma Certification: Detail of Each Level
LFLS Certification
The Lead Front Line Supervisor (LFLS) is the one who deals with day-to-day processes in a team to achieve results that are efficient and effective. In LFLS, the certification tests the individual on daily problem-solving, including techniques about statistical tools and basic concepts involved in Six Sigma.
White Belt
White belts are inducted at the process level. They are meant to initiate projects that help get milestones set for each project and its success. The white belts give access to tools, techniques, and coaching assistance needed to implement these processes within an organization successfully.
Yellow Belt
A yellow belt is given the ability to lead and support six sigma black belts, green belts, and champions. The individual is expected to coordinate the projects initiated by the white belts, focusing on problem-solving and preventive projects.
Green Belt
Green belts are expected to be mentors for their team members, providing them with training, coaching, and support. Green belts are expected to contribute at the team level by providing technical knowledge to other members.
Associate Black Belt Certification
At this level, each problem is assigned as a task to be completed by the members involved in the process. The person responsible for organizing and assigning tasks is also tested on his leadership skills during this time.
Black Belt Certification
In Black Belt certification, the individual needs to manage a team or a department and solve problems utilizing Six Sigma techniques. The candidate is tested on developing and deploying solutions using statistical tools and problem-solving skills.
Master Black Belt
Master Black Belts gain knowledge in design for Six Sigma (DFSS) in addition to the skills tested in Black Belt certification. They are also responsible for guiding team members, mentoring them, and helping them learn different Six Sigma techniques.
Six Sigma Certification Benefits
Here are the advantages of Six Sigma certification.
Increased Productivity
According to reports, 31 percent of businesses have fully automated at least one function.
Six Sigma implementation helps in reducing downtime, therefore increasing productivity. The rate of errors also dims down as Six Sigma eradicates problems during process planning and implementation.
Six Sigma helps increase employees’ productivity at work by spending less time on problem-solving. They have increased output per unit of time worked because they understand the process flow, can predict problems, and thus work accordingly.
Reduced Costs
Six Sigma certification and training leads to the decrease of waste within an organization, which reduces costs for the company, improving profitability. Organizations can also save a lot on their customer services as problems are resolved in the initial stages themselves.
Accuracy
Appropriate and accurate results can be expected from Six Sigma implementation. It ultimately benefits both customers and employees alike. Problems are solved faster by utilizing statistical tools, thus saving time and money for the company.
Better Customer Service
Six Sigma certification ensures that employees are well-trained to solve problems. Therefore, customers always get the solutions they need on time, ensuring their satisfaction and retention.
They also stick around for more of their services or products because of better customer care.
Increased Productivity Through Efficiency
A laid down process of Six Sigma implementation ensures that employees know the dos and don’ts. Employees always produce quality work because they follow a pattern, which is efficient for them and the company.
Fewer Errors
Six Sigma certification assists in finding mistakes during the early stages of process planning or design itself, thus reducing wastage and errors.
Companies can work with accuracy, which leads to a higher customer satisfaction rate and positive word-of-mouth publicity for the organization.
Improved Employee Morale
An increase in productivity and accuracy leads to improved employee morale at the workplace, as they know that their work is essential and benefits the organization and customers.
They also feel empowered with Six Sigma implementation because of better problem-solving abilities and more responsibility.
Better Decision-Making
An approved Six Sigma certification leads to better decision-making by employees.
It is because previous decisions were being made on intuition or trial and error, which often did not help the company much. Henceforth, employees are more confident about their work, which proves beneficial for the organization overall.
Conclusion
Six Sigma certification is beneficial for employees as well as the company. Their productivity increases at work, thus improving their efficiency and morale. The organization’s quality of products or services also improves thanks to Six Sigma implementation, which leads to better customer care and retention.
