Does Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt expires? – Originally, the original definition of the Six Sigma Certification was “a system that provides data-driven, action-oriented, bottom-line results through the use of data-driven, action-oriented, bottom-line focused” approaches. As more organizations became familiar with the value of the methodology, the term was further refined to “the application of strategic change to improve the quality, quantity, and integrity of the production and customer services environment.” While this may seem like an endless list of requirements, the requirements listed above are what truly define a Six Sigma project and are the fundamental building blocks upon which its foundation is built. Given these requirements, it is not difficult to see why Six Sigma has become so widely accepted within the workplace and has begun to slowly expand into other parts of the business world.
Lean Six Sigma and DMAIC Metrics – When it comes to Six Sigma and its implementation, there is a need for managers to understand and clearly understand how it fits into the overall strategy of the organization. One of the most common questions managers get is “Do I need to use the DMAIC (design, measure, analyze, improve, and control) or Lean?” Lean Six Sigma specifically addresses two key areas of the organization’s activities. The first area addresses elements such as quality improvement, which is often considered to be a top-level component of the Six Sigma Process. The second area, known as the process flow, is related to the entire supply chain, and therefore, the organization must also address its process from beginning to end.
Can Six Sigma Meet My Organization’s Needs? – Six Sigma and DMAIC measurement capabilities can help managers evaluate the success of any given project. This includes both financial and operational measures. For example, a firm that implements Six Sigma Projects would benefit from metrics that allow them to track progress on the front end. Employees can be monitored, while profits can be tracked over time. In addition, quality metrics can show progress toward quality goals, such as eliminating defects in production, reducing waste, or increasing employee satisfaction.
How Do You Keep Employees Motivated? – In a traditional workplace, getting the desired output for a given period of time is almost guaranteed. Lean Six Sigma, on the other hand, requires new approaches to how a company can best achieve the results desired by the customers it serves. A common issue facing organizations using Lean is how to motivate new employees. When you’re a member of an organization, rather than becoming a “one-person show,” what your employees do in their spare time (or their “entrepreneurial” hours) is crucial.
What About Productivity improvements? – A common question among those familiar with Six Sigma is, if the cycle of getting a project completed ends after the Yellow Belt certification. The answer is no, there is still work to be done on a regular basis. It is not, however, because the Yellow Belt process has expired that employees have stopped caring about the product; rather, it is because they have become so used to doing it, that the only remaining work remains is to ensure that the product is released into the market.
What About Waste Generation? – One aspect of Lean Six Sigma is reducing waste from any and all processes, which includes manufacturing and assembly. The Six Sigma Yellow Belt training process, however, does have a limit. Once the process begins to slow down and production slows down, waste generation becomes a major issue.
Can This New Process Live Up to Its Name? – Six Sigma is a real process improvement solution. When it is integrated into an organization, however, it becomes a truly complex system. In order to understand how Lean Six Sigma can help your company, you need to first understand what it is. If you are concerned that the “Yellow Belt” process is going to slow your company down, don’t let Six Sigma scare you away.