Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma are two of the few qualifications that come to mind for individuals seeking to begin a career in quality management or operations. Since Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma are distinct programs, people often wonder whether certification suits them.
The primary distinction between Six Sigma vs Lean Six Sigma should be immediately apparent. On the other hand, both are top-notch management tools; there are also a few differences.
Six Sigma
The original intent of Six Sigma was to use statistical analysis to cut down on process variation and errors. Six Sigma uses the DMAIC or DMADV five-step procedures to do this.
You can apply each strategy in your own way. The acronym DMAIC refers to the Process of Define, Measure, Analyse, and Control. Finding the issue, assessing the present state of affairs, and finally settling on a remedy are all part of this process. While this method isn’t ideal for creating brand-new functions, it works wonders to enhance supply chain performance or make crucial alterations.
Here is where the DMADV process becomes useful: define, analyze, design, and verify. Although the initial stages are the same, a novel tool can be developed to address the issue during the Design phase. The solution’s ability to address the issue at hand is the primary focus of the Verify phase.
The goal of Six Sigma is to locate and eliminate supply chain issues.
To sit for the Six Sigma Green Belt test, you must be an accomplished professional with at least three years’ work experience in a Six Sigma domain or domain. If you have worked on a Six Sigma project or projects, you are qualified to take the Black Belt exam. Getting your 6 Sigma Green Belt isn’t hard at all.
You can get your Green Belt certification if you are interested in Lean Six Sigma and have some job experience. If you are motivated and can study, you can get your Black Belt certification instead. No prior knowledge is necessary to take these Lean Six Sigma tests.
For anyone seeking to coach, train, counsel, or offer Six Sigma guidance to organizations, the Master Black Belt qualification is highly recommended. This certification can be obtained through Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma.
Lean Method
Conversely, the Lean methodology emphasizes eliminating waste and ensuring customers get the most value for their money while investing as little as possible. The Toyota Business System, a philosophy that helped the corporation run efficiently, was initially called Lean in the 1980s. It influences the distribution of resources and the development of new processes at every level of an organization. Lean differs most significantly from Six Sigma in that it influences not just manufacturing but the whole company rather than just that area.
Together, they form a potent toolbox for reducing waste, and Lean Six Sigma brings them together. The DMAIC technique is a great framework for businesses to follow when figuring out where they waste time and resources. By working together, these approaches can assist in eradicating the eight types of waste or anything that isn’t contributing value to a process, be it time, materials, or human effort.
Also Read: Top 15 Six Sigma Certification Courses In USA in 2024 [Updated]
Six Sigma vs Lean Six Sigma
Six Sigma aims for flawless precision.
It employs a technology based on established and data-driven methodologies to detect and prevent variations in strategies and flaws. Six Sigma’s end goal is statistical perfection, which will boost the company’s performance in the long run. It operates according to the DMAIC protocol. Defining, measuring, analyzing, improving, and controlling are the steps that makeup DMAIC.
The goal of Lean Six Sigma is precision and efficiency.
On the other hand, Lean Six Sigma is effective because it merges Six Sigma thinking with lean manufacturing concepts. Two of Lean Six Sigma’s primary foci are eliminating inefficiencies and improving performance. Agencies can achieve their goal of stability in precision and streamlined approaches by implementing Lean Six Sigma. That helps bring about greater consumer pride and cost savings in the end.
How Should You Proceed First? “Six Sigma” or “Lean”?
We often get asked which program should be executed first when considering how to improve performance. In contrast to Lean Certification’s emphasis on a unified strategy for customer-driven operations, Six Sigma Certification focuses on specific processes. It would be more beneficial to start learning Lean instead of Six Sigma since Six Sigma is merely a tool to help execute Lean.
Attempting to fix problems with the Six Sigma method is like showing up on a golf course with just a driver and hoping to do well. Using Six Sigma, your organization may streamline its processes, reduce wasted time, and provide a better customer experience. However, if Six Sigma comes first, before Lean, your company can try to enhance a process that isn’t necessary or is currently running well.
Gaining Lean Certification can help your company see why customer-driven processes need fixing or eliminating them to boost efficiency and delight customers. Envision yourself in possession of a sophisticated instrument but with no accompanying manual. Take a Six Sigma perspective on the tool and a Lean one on the instructions. Applying Six Sigma in a manner that results in a more productive and efficient company structure isn’t easy without Lean.
The fact that Lean Six Sigma isn’t a monolithic certification but rather a hierarchy of roles and belts is something else to think about. We’ll explore this topic further in the section below on combining Lean and Six Sigma. At this time, remember that the Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt levels of Six Sigma each have their unique responsibilities and factors to think about. Your career path and the objectives of your Six Sigma projects will dictate whether you pursue a Six Sigma Black Belt or a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Best Institution for Lean Six Sigma Course
Henry Harvin is a top choice for a Six Sigma course in India. Many prominent media outlets have praised the Henry Harvin Institute’s exceptional and distinctive offerings. It provides various career-focused management, technology, digital marketing, law, and finance classes. Trainers at Henry Harvin have an average of 18 years of expertise in various fields, and the school is well-known for its innovative approach to education.
After finishing the Lean Six Sigma Belt Course and the Six Sigma Black Belt, participants can add the Global Credential of Six Sigma Black Certification: CSSE-BB to their professional profile. This will allow them to showcase their expertise and stand out from other professionals. Certified Six Sigma Green Belts and Black Belts are mentored by experts who have extensive knowledge of Six Sigma projects and Six Sigma books. The program lasts 15 days; after that, you’ll take an online test to earn your certificate.
Conclusion
Which Six Sigma vs Lean Six Sigma certification is better depends entirely on the field or company you’re employed with. You have the freedom to choose the certification path that best suits your profile and the demands of your business. Without question, both credentials are excellent entry points into the pleasant control field and have bright futures ahead of them. It is essential to select a top-notch college for the certification.
Also Read: What is the Six Sigma Course & The Benefits?
FAQs
- What does “Lean 6 Sigma” mean?
Ans: Six Sigma comes from the Greek letter sigma, representing one standard deviation in data. The basic premise is that the process should be able to withstand six such variances before failing. Six Sigma’s number of mistakes per million process events that lead to a defect drops to 3.4.
- How challenging is the Lean Six Sigma certification exam?
Ans: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification is a professional high point that shows you’ve mastered advanced project management and process improvement methodologies. However, getting there isn’t always easy, particularly regarding exams.
- Is there a need for Lean Six Sigma?
Ans: Lean experts in India might find plenty of work. Prominent organizations in a wide range of sectors are aggressively seeking candidates with this level of knowledge.
- Is Six Sigma certification a desirable qualification?
Ans: Your career, the operations of the organizations you collaborate with, and their overall success can be significantly influenced by the numerous advantages that Six Sigma certification provides.
- Is it possible to secure employment through Six Sigma?
Ans: With a Six Sigma black belt, you can train and coach project teams and lead problem-solving initiatives. Operations Director, Senior Business Process Analyst, Senior Continuous Improvement Leader, and Senior Project Manager are among the potential job titles for lean Six Sigma black belts.