Lean Six Sigma includes a wide range of performance improvement techniques and methodologies. It has shown to be very effective in projects intended to reduce waste, improve cycle times, and minimize process variance.
Getting Lean Six Sigma certification is essential to effectively become an industry leader in project management or quality assurance. Compared to traditional degrees, having a course certification under your belt helps differentiate you from other job candidates. Moreover, it signifies that you are a dynamic learner with a focus on upskilling your skillset. Especially in manufacturing industries, having a Lean Six Sigma certificate is a bonus.
The Lean Six Sigma courses are divided into a structural hierarchy wherein there are five levels to the course;
- Lean Six Sigma White Belt
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
- Lean Six Sigma Master’s Black Belt.
White and yellow belt employees work at the ground level to effectively implement plans made by the upper management. Once a candidate has completed green belt certification, they will be able to lead projects alongside black belt professionals.
Here are some of the tools Lean Six Sigma professionals use to streamline operations, increase efficiency and eliminate waste.
Five Whys
The technique is arguably one of the most effective tools to perform a root-cause analysis. Every team and process faces roadblocks in their day-to-day operations. But, using the five why technique enables the managers to implement solutions to course-correct their operations.
The method involves asking a set of questions to gain helpful insight and to make an informed decision.
The process requires a coordinated collaboration by the concerned departments to facilitate continuous improvement rather than blaming others.
In addition, the five why technique fosters an environment of logical problem-solving.
Poka-Yoke
Poka-yoke is a way to ensure that a human process is error-free. It is based on the belief that, in many cases, modest improvements may solve a more significant problem. The ultimate objective is to have no faults in operation owing to any human error. People at any level of an operation can generate a change concept with poka-yoke. With poka-yoke, the emphasis is on implementing plans and assessing the consequences or results of the plans you implemented.
Control Charts
A control chart helps the managers to analyze the difference in a process before and after the changes are made in the operations. The chart is beneficial as it indicates the stability of a process. Managers make a chart that shows a range of variations in certain areas based on data gathered based on an operation’s essential features and consequences. The lesser the variation in the chart, the better operations are.
The visualization of data in a chart form is better than raw data as it provides more predictability. It is an effective, practical tool that organizations can use to envision the stability and consistency of their operations.
Value Stream Mapping
It is a tool used in Lean that enables the project managers to identify and reduce or eliminate waste from their operations cycle. Herein, it takes a higher-level view of the entire process by mapping out each component of the operation from start to finish.
The objective of value stream mapping is to assess how much value each step adds to the overall operations. This method can help identify and evaluate areas where correction is required.
Value mapping uses the eight forms of waste in Lean: defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilized talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and extra processing.
Cause and Effect Diagram
It is also known as a Fishbone Diagram, a graphical tool equipped by managers to display the cause and effect of any specific event. Managers often use the ‘five whys’ technique to identify the causes of any problems. The reasons are then categorized to help understand potential solutions for the problems and their effects. For better representation of the diagram, data from other tools are also used to form a chart.
Takt Time
It is the total time in which organizations must deliver the products or services to satisfy the customers and stakeholders. The ideal time needed to provide a product or a service is assessed against the average rate of consumer demand.
This procedure has two primary goals. Firstly, it guarantees that the pace at which a product or service is produced matches customers’ demands. Secondly, it prevents overproduction of a product, reducing the amount of time in inventory.
These are tools and techniques that Lean Six Sigma Green Belt holders employ to make the organization’s operations more efficient. Getting Lean Six Sigma certification prepares a candidate for the industry, wherein the candidates can identify and eliminate waste in an organization to increase productivity and satisfy the customers.