Why is Six Sigma Training So Important?

To understand the importance of Six Sigma Training, it is necessary to know that Six Sigma usually means a measure of quality that strives for near-perfection. As a methodology, Six Sigma provides the techniques and tools to improve the capabilities and reduce the chances of a failure in all kinds of projects. Six Sigma Training is one of the most important elements of shaping the organization's culture. Almost any organization's member can take advantage of Six Sigma certification, from senior management level to employers. Of course, the types of training can differ significantly depending on who is trained � senior management training should include a general overview, benefits of implementation, some examples and specific application to business/industry, as well as the required Six Sigma training and tools to ensure that the implementation will be complete and successful.

Lower level Functional and Process Managers often receive more detailed training that includes not only the benefits and the methodology, but also more specific views into the tools used and the requirements necessary for successful implementation of Six Sigma. However the key elements of Six Sigma are quality leaders, who receive the most detailed training (including not only detailed information on concepts and methodologies, but also detailed statistics training and use of necessary computer analysis tools). Similar, but somewhat less detailed, Six Sigma training is performed for Project Managers.

Even at the individual employee level Six Sigma training can be implemented, but of course the level of complication is lesser than on higher levels, because in the case of necessity, employers can always ask their project or quality leaders for advice. Properly trained members on any level can successfully increase the overall quality of service. By constant reviews and feedback processes effectiveness and performance are increased, reducing variations and trying to maintain constant quality of output process at the same time. Do remember, that Six Sigma allows only 3.4 defects per million opportunities for each product or service transaction. Sometimes it is impossible or ineffective to refine and fine-tune a process to attain the quality level demanded by Six Sigma. Instead it is easier and more effective to define a new one, using from the beginning Six Sigma principles, DFSS (Design For Six Sigma)). This allows reduction of the defect ratio, which will quickly translate into an increase in the organization's profit, as well as for customer satisfaction � which is more important for profits in the long term.

Six Sigma teams are made up of various "belts". �These �belts� of Six Sigma are empowering companies to recover profits at an unprecedented scale. Here�s a basic rundown of their roles:

Master Black Belts

Master Black Belts are sometimes found within organizations and are at the top of the food chain. These team members are the full-time experts in Six Sigma integration. They not only are highly trained Black Belts, but they also have additional specialized skills and experiences that are used to deploy Six Sigma across the entire enterprise.

Black Belts

Six Sigma Black Belts are the ones who will be directly responsible for the execution of Six Sigma projects within an organization. Often, they are �full-time� in their duties (however, they typically only assume the role for a few years before returning to their regular duties). They are expected to take on projects with savings ball-parked at around $100,000 - $250,000. Six Sigma Black Belts help coach, develop, lead, and advise management and employees to achieve their goals.

Green Belts

Six Sigma Green Belts are the �worker bees� of the Six Sigma project. They can do much of the legwork; from gathering data to executing experiments in support of the Black Belt projects. Green Belts typically have two primary responsibilities:

• Help ensure the success of six sigma techniques
• Lead improvement projects of a smaller scale within their respective areas

The amount of Six Sigma Green Belts will regularly exceed the number of Black Belts.

Yellow Belts

Yellow Belts have a solid basic knowledge of the Six Sigma methodology. Although they are not typically handling a Black Belt project, they are taught to realize the value of Six Sigma. Six Sigma Yellow Belts daily work reflects their excellent understanding of a quality vs. profit relationship.

Solid guidance and commitment allow these various belts to work together to achieve increased quality throughout an organization. It is through the specific roles of each that proper discipline is achieved through the Six Sigma implementation process.

Six Sigma is not a quick way to increase the profits. Proper Six Sigma Training can cost a lot of money, and its implementation is only the beginning. Fine-tuning can take a lot of time and can cost even more. The same is true for maintaining necessary level of control under the process. However, in the long run the better quality will provide great rewards.