How Six Sigma Education Helps Provide Continuous Improvement

Six Sigma methodology has drastically changed the way many companies operate, and understanding Six Sigma is a process that requires rigorous and ongoing Six Sigma education. The whole basis of Six Sigma revolves around becoming a customer focused operation, whereby the customers’ needs are placed at high demand, and process improvement is based on relying on quantitative analysis and data to reduce manufacturer defects and slowdowns in operations. The end result is a better made product that the customer is satisfied with, and a process that ensures better overall operational efficiencies. However, with a drastic change in adapting to Six Sigma methodology, Six Sigma education is required at all levels, from the CEO right on down to the shipping and receiving department.

Six Sigma education starts with a company making the decision to implement the Six Sigma methodology. There are several consulting firms who now specialize in introducing Six Sigma to companies and providing training and education to executives. While the executives, aka Champions and Master Black Belts, will be the ones to make up and decide upon the strategies to be employed, it’s the Black Belts and Green Belts who are vitally important in making sure that each and every project is carried out successfully, and they are generally in charge of spreading the Six Sigma culture throughout the guts of the business. Six Sigma education for Black Belts and Green Belts relies on understanding five key goals: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC). Defining what the customer needs; measuring key components of the project and process and collecting all data necessary; analyze all the data to determine exactly how defects were caused and then looking at different relationships throughout the manufacturing process to determine cause and effect; improving the current process based on analytical findings; controlling the current process by implementing changes to maximize operational efficiency to ensure fewer defects in the future.

Black Belts and Green Belts can use this method to train virtually every operational team member, and through continuing Six Sigma education, they can then train everyone as to changes in operational procedures. Training and education is vital to the success of Six Sigma, and it is imperative that the executive team is well equipped with the knowledge necessary to empower its Black Belts and Green Belts. While the project methodology that Six Sigma education teaches to executives will guide the scope of the Six Sigma project itself, its implementation on the battle front, or manufacturing floor, will ultimately lead to the success of Six Sigma.