At the White Belt level, one is able to perform basic Lean Six Sigma techniques. These include problem-solving, design, data flow analysis, and consumption analysis. At this level, a person is capable of handling simple process improvements that add value to the organization. Six Sigma White Belts also is able to train in lean principles and concepts.
Green Belts is taught specific lean six sigma topics such as customer satisfaction and flowcharts. However, they do not participate in problem-solving sessions at this level. Instead, they receive training in creating a value-added activity that can be applied to an existing process. Green Belts may participate in one or more workshops offered by the lean Six Sigma Black Belt. At the green belt level, employees would be able to use the information learned in these workshops to apply it to their own work processes.
Black Belts are able to introduce Six Sigma concepts into their workday through a combination of comprehensive courses and hands-on application. During this time, they can work on processes that add value to the organization. At the black belt level, employees would be able to use all the knowledge and tools from Six Sigma to create total quality management solutions. Black Belts are able to mentor employees who are beginning to learn the basics of lean.
The Master Black Belt certification is the next level of quality management improvement. This certification has extensive experience and expertise in the areas of statistical methodologies, data mining, and process reengineering. The Master Black Belt training allows for the inclusion of statistical methods and data mining into the black belt coursework. The Master Black Belt also learns how to use tools commonly used in the Six Sigma projects. These tools are greatly beneficial in improving the quality of the lean six sigma project. Master Black Belts can effectively teach employees how to use these tools during the project.
Once certified, Black Belts are able to teach employees how to improve the quality of the customer feedbacks they receive. The customer feedbacks that come from the lean Six sigma projects help the Six Sigma Team to identify which problems need to be fixed. With the data from customer feedback, the Six Sigma Team is then able to create a plan to fix the identified problem areas. A clear understanding of the customer feedback is crucial in order to ensure high quality customer satisfaction. Once trained, Black Belts are capable of imparting this knowledge to employees and forming their own opinions and beliefs about customer satisfaction.
Green Belts is teaching to become competent Green Belts once they have successfully completed the required six sigma training. The Six Sigma Green Belt courses are much shorter than the six sigma black belt courses. Green Belts learns the basic concepts of six sigma, and how they can be used to improve the quality of the customer feedbacks they receive. The techniques and strategies that work best with employees will be taught to the Green Belt. Green Belts is also able to use the statistical tools and methods that are commonly used by the Six Sigma Team.
Although the Six Sigma Certification Hierarchy is not widely used in the manufacturing industries, it is gaining popularity in other fields such as the service industry and education. The Six Sigma Certification Program is taught to people who wish to pursue a career in the allied manufacturing sector. Many manufacturing industries now incorporate the Six Sigma Methodology into their production process and processes. In the service industry, several companies offer Green Belt Six Sigma Certification to their employees, which is beneficial to the overall profitability of the company.