When you factor in the time and resources required to train and certified employees, along with the lost productivity and income that result from not meeting quality goals, the true impact of a lean Six Sigma initiative can be quite pronounced. Those organizations that choose to implement Six Sigma in this manner must not only face the additional expense of training and certification, but must also deal with the loss of sales and customer relationships once these employees have gone through the process. In addition, these employees are often those in the best position to know how to improve the overall efficiency of the company. Reducing the overall cost of implementing lean Six Sigma is therefore absolutely crucial for those organizations that want to see real cost savings and profits.
One of the most common myths about Six Sigma is that it is extremely expensive. Six Sigma Black Belt training and certification do not necessarily cost more than traditional certification, especially if it is done at the local gym or community center. In fact, Six Sigma Black Belt training can be extremely low in cost when done at home. It is also important to remember that the Six Sigma curriculum and methodology are taught at each of the organization’s locations instead of at the location of the employee, as is often the case with lean Six Sigma initiatives. Therefore, there is no need to pay for a Six Sigma Black Belt training class at a distance such as a gym, community center or library.
The next misconception about Six Sigma is that it requires extensive training and supervision by a supervisor in an inside the organization environment. Six Sigma is not a Black Belt training subject that is taught in an impersonal classroom by someone without any knowledge of employees or what type of business they are in. Six Sigma Black Belt training and certification can be done online and require a supervisor to oversee the process and make sure the employee undergoing the training is doing it correctly. This supervisor will most likely be from the local office.
Another misunderstanding of Six Sigma is that it is costly to obtain certification. The cost of the training itself will not be determined by the size of the company. A large company may require training and certification at more than a thousand dollars per employee. An office of 500 will most likely only require certification cost of around fifty dollars per employee. Certification is usually not required for those who have already begun working at the company.
The third misconception is that a person cannot become certified while still employed at their job. Six Sigma training cannot be completed while on the job and is not a part of normal work hours. The Six Sigma Black Belt program provides training during normal working hours but can be completed at a later time, after the employee finishes their work for the day. For this reason, it is not necessary to stop work to complete Six Sigma training. The Six Sigma Yellow Belt training is also available for employees who are planning to complete the program upon leaving their current positions.
The last misconception is that Six Sigma is a poor substitute for a formal academic education. Six Sigma is an education in its own right. It provides extensive training in statistics, data analysis, and various other management concepts. The knowledge gained in Six Sigma training cannot be equaled or even made possible by the knowledge gleaned from more formal training courses. Six Sigma training and certification cost a significantly lower amount than a University degree course. The majority of universities in the United States offer a variety of professional development and certification programs that would be a waste of time and money for an employee who was already employed.
As with any business venture, the decision to train with Six Sigma should be considered carefully. The advantages and benefits far outweigh the cost of training. When properly implemented, Six Sigma will help to reduce costs and shorten cycle times while improving efficiency and quality. However, before choosing to train with Six Sigma, it is important to do your research and only choose a provider that can provide the training that you need at an affordable price. Choosing a provider who is only in business because they say they are, will result in a loss of quality and training that you truly need. By choosing a certified provider with a solid history of customer satisfaction and a proven system for reducing training and certification costs, you are ensuring your employees receive the tools and training necessary to make Lean Six Sigma work for your organization.