What you need to know about Six Sigma certification

Posted by tedmark on August 6th, 2015

Six Sigma as a concept is used in multiple industries, especially the manufacturing industry. It is all about eliminating defects from a process so that near perfection can be achieved. Since 1986, Six Sigma has been in use and over the years, there have been some variations that have come to the fore, Lean Six Sigma being the most prominent of these variations. While Lean Six Sigma follows the Six Sigma methodology, the way processes are perfected is different here. Both Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma are capable of creating and enhancing careers, but for that you need Six Sigma certification and Lean Six Sigma certification respectively.

Before you decide to appear for a Six Sigma certification or a Lean Six Sigma certification, you need to know what these are all about. Six Sigma as a concept was coined by Motorola in 1986 and GE is the company that made it popular. Lean Six Sigma is relatively new and the concept was first published in the book Lean Six Sigma: Combining Six Sigma with Lean Speed, the authors being Michael George and Robert Lawrence Jr.

Six Sigma follows the DMAIC process to perfect processes. It’s a data driven methodology that eliminates the number of defects in a process. The measurement for Six Sigma is 3.4 defects per million opportunities. All the global majors in manufacturing use Six Sigma to improve their processes and the concept has now transcended to other industrial sectors as well. Wherever there is a need for process improvement, Six Sigma can play a critical role there.

Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that removes eight types of wastes to improve performance. The eight defects are known as DOWNTIME (defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilized talent, transportation, inventory, motion and extra-processing). The Japanese term for these defects is muda. Lean Six Sigma also uses the DMAIC process and combines this with lean manufacturing or lean enterprise.

For Six Sigma certification and Lean Six Sigma certification are offered by a host of certified institutes. These institutes focus both on the theoretical and practical aspects of these concepts. The entire certification process is highly intense to ensure that once someone is certified, they are able to deliver what they were supposed to deliver. Companies around the world sponsor their employees to go through these certifications so that they are able to contribute more to the growth of their respective companies. However, it is also possible for an individual to go through these courses and certifications and create fantastic careers for themselves.

If you are planning to undergo Six Sigma certification or Lean Six Sigma certification, it is important that you are guided by the best of professionals. You don’t need to worry if your company is sponsoring you. But if you intend to take these courses on your own, it is best to do some research before you choose.

Opt for Six Sigma certification or Lean Six Sigma certification and you will definitely have a brighter career ahead. This is a guarantee.

For enhancing your career further, it is highly recommended that you go through Six Sigma certification and/or Lean Six Sigma certification.