WHAT IS LEAN SIX SIGMA?
Lean Six Sigma is a robust, team-based approach that focuses on enhancing customer value by improving business processes. It seeks to eliminate waste, boost quality and efficiency, resulting in an improved customer experience, decreased costs, and elevated staff morale.
What are the benefits of Lean Six Sigma?
Reduced cost, increased profit
Improved customer satisfaction
Shorter cycle times
Improved employee morale
Lean Six Sigma has a proven track record in businesses of all sizes and in all sectors.
Is there a good book about Lean Six Sigma?
We Wrote The Book!
Lean Six Sigma for Dummies, written by Catalyst’s Martin Brenig-Jones and Jo Dowdall explains what Lean Six Sigma is, starting with the key principles and the history of both disciplines and also describes how to apply it.
How did Lean Six Sigma begin?
The name Lean Six Sigma is derived from two distinct methodologies:
- Lean: Initially developed by Toyota, it offers a set of principles, practices, and tools focused on streamlining processes and improving customer value.
- Six Sigma: Founded at Motorola, it’s a structured technique centred on enhancing product and service quality with a keen focus on processes.
By fusing these strategies, a comprehensive and proven method resulted, capable of revolutionising organisations.
What’s the difference between Lean and Six Sigma?
Lean is centred around learning to find and eliminate waste in a process whereas Six Sigma is focused on eliminating the root cause of defects in a process. Both these approaches improve speed and quality and therefore cost and customer satisfaction. Combining them multiplies their effectiveness.
Who should learn Lean Six Sigma?
Virtually anyone can reap its rewards; from those in process improvement, operations, project management to those eager to amplify their professional repertoire. It’s relevant across in all businesses – anywhere there are processes – from manufacturing, healthcare to services. Moreover, it’s suitable for organisations of all scales – from start-ups to global conglomerates, and both in the public and private sectors.
How can Lean Six Sigma benefit a business?
Adopting Lean Six Sigma brings about greater efficiency, cost reduction, superior customer satisfaction, and optimal operational performance. It equips businesses with tools to pinpoint inefficiencies and chart out effective remedies while always putting the customer at the forefront.
What are the belt levels in Lean Six Sigma?
There are several belt levels, each denoting a different level of expertise:
- White Belt: Awareness.
- Yellow Belt: Introductory knowledge – can work in problem solving teams or lead small projects (Certification applies).
- Green Belt: Intermediate skills and can lead bigger projects (Certification applies).
- Black Belt: Advanced skills, can lead complex projects and coach others (Certification applies).
- Master Black Belt: Expert level, can lead strategic initiatives and mentor Black Belts (Certification applies).
Is certification necessary to implement Lean Six Sigma?
While anyone can apply the principles of Lean Six Sigma, certification ensures a standardised level of knowledge and expertise. Many organisations prefer or require their Lean Six Sigma practitioners to be certified.
How long does it take to achieve a Lean Six Sigma certification?
Yellow Belt training takes two days, while Green Belt training lasts six days. Certification takes place following project work, typically within 2-6 months of training completion. Black Belt training is around 20 days and certification usually is completed within 6-9 months. Master Black Belt requires years of experience and additional training.
Where can I find Lean Six Sigma Courses?
Here’s a selection of our most popular courses – explore these options and choose the one that’s right for you.
Lean Six Sigma
White Belt
Develop your awareness of Lean Six Sigma. 1 day of classroom training.
Lean Six Sigma
Yellow Belt
An ideal introduction to Lean Six Sigma. 2 days of classroom training.
