# What Is Six Sigma: A Complete Virtual Tour

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What is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma is a popular methodology that involves tools and techniques that are used to identify and eradicate inefficiencies in various processes. This procedure of eliminating the inefficiencies will ensure that the number of defective products produced by the company is reduced and total productivity of the company increases. The term six sigma is derived from a statistical term which means a process that only allows less than 3.4 errors in one million products.

What are the different levels of Six Sigma?

Since Six Sigma is a methodology, it can be implemented in different stages based on your expertise. The results of a Six Sigma project is only as good as the team members implementing it. Hence, you need to have a certain level of expertise to begin and work on a Six Sigma project. The different levels are:

• Yellow Belt – A person with the yellow belt only has minimal knowledge about Six Sigma and helps out part time on the project.

• Green Belt – A professional with a green belt has sufficient knowledge about the various techniques of Six Sigma and assists part time on the projects.

• Black Belt – A leader with a black belt has thorough knowledge about all the coursework of Six Sigma and has led the team in several projects. He/she basically focusses quality improvement projects.

• Master Black Belt – This is the highest level of expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. An employee who has successfully completed the Black Belt training and is capable of handling close to 10 different Six Sigma projects at the same time is a Master Black Belt. A leader with a Master Black Belt should possess excellent leadership skills and should have strong quantitative abilities.

Each of these levels has certain roles associated with them within a project. Once an organization understands all the requirements of each role, they can easily allot the work to the capable and qualified employee.

What are DMAIC and DMAIIC?

DMAIC stands for define, measure, analyze, improve, and control. It is a model used in Six Sigma to carry out the projects. It basically means that you need to define the process before starting it. Then collect all the data and analyze the same using various tools. In order to improve the efficiency you also need to make significant changes in the existing processes. Last but, not the least you need to ensure that all the rectifications are implemented before the process starts so as to ensure that the project goes on as planned and the number of defects is reduced.

DMAIIC stands for define, measure, analyze, improve, implement, and control. After working in the industry for many years on Six Sigma, a few leaders felt that the implementing step was necessary in order to ensure that the Six Sigma belt implements the improvements himself/herself instead of just handing it to somebody else.

What is the first step in a Six Sigma project?

The first step is always the hardest in a Six Sigma project. You need to define the following in your very first step in order to successfully plan the entire process:

• The problem
• The process
• The desired solution
• The suppliers and their inputs
• The customers and their requirements
• The items to measure
• The ways to measure

These terms are self-explanatory. Ensure that you discuss with your entire team and clearly define all these parameters in detail. Each team member should be aware of all these factors.

What is the next step?

Once you have clearly defined all the parameters, the measuring process begins. You need to collect data that are required to carry out various processes. In certain cases, the team leader will have to design a new process to collect data. In most cases, this is not necessary and the traditional tools such as check sheets, cost of quality, measurement system analysis, Pareto analysis can be used. Ensure that you follow the model effectively in order to achieve your goals.

Six Sigma is a vital methodology used by many popular companies all over the world. From small businesses to large corporations, every organisation finds some use for the techniques in Six Sigma in order to improve their processes and increase their profits.

### KnowledgeHut

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KnowledgeHut is an outcome-focused global ed-tech company. We help organizations and professionals unlock excellence through skills development. We offer training solutions under the people and process, data science, full-stack development, cybersecurity, future technologies and digital transformation verticals.
Website : https://www.knowledgehut.com

## 5 Advantages Of Implementing Six Sigma

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5 Advantages Of Implementing Six Sigma

Six Sigma is one of the popular process improvemen... Read More

## Six Sigma Belts and Certifications Demystified

Six Sigma is a business improvement methodology that was first used in the 1980s by companies like Motorola and Honeywell. By the 1990s, a long list of Fortune 500 companies had adopted Six Sigma in an effort to increase quality (and profits) by eliminating defects, service failures, and waste. Today, companies in almost every industry use Six Sigma to improve their operations, bottom-lines, and customer satisfaction. All Six Sigma projects are managed using a set of tools and techniques across five phases known as the DMAIC framework: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control. Using statistical analysis, Six Sigma teams work to fix processes so they’re 99.997% defect-free, which translates to only 3.4 defects per million. Six Sigma projects are managed by individuals with specific titles, roles, training, and certifications. These roles are identified by a hierarchical belt structure with darker belts representing roles that require more experience and training: white belt, yellow belt, green belt, black belt, and master black belt. White Belts Six Sigma white belts are engaged at the first level of the Six Sigma process and have a basic understanding of Six Sigma concepts. They’re responsible for connecting with the next highest belt (green belts) to solve specific problems at a local level. Often, white belts are called upon to support an overall Six Sigma project but aren’t actually on the Six Sigma team. Certification: Neither of the widely recognized Six Sigma certifying organizations, the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) or the American Society for Quality (ASQ), offer a Six Sigma white belt certification. However, some universities and companies do offer this level of certification. Yellow Belts The yellow belt is the first level of Six Sigma certification. Yellow belts are Six Sigma team members who report to green belts. They understand the basics of Six Sigma, including the first three phases of the DMAIC framework: define, measure, and analyze. Yellow belts are responsible for reviewing process improvements in support of a Six Sigma project. Certification: To obtain a Yellow Belt certification, you must pass a 60 question exam. Green Belts Six Sigma green belts are usually at the manager level and report to Six Sigma black belts. They’re considered to be the worker bees of a Six Sigma project because they do most of the data collection and analysis work. Green belts are knowledgeable on all phases of the DMAIC framework. Experienced green belts might lead small Six Sigma projects. Certification: To obtain a Six Sigma green belt certification, you must have three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge (e.g., process improvement), and that experience must have been in a paying role. You are also required to pass the 1.5 hour, 100-question green belt certification exam. Black Belts Six Sigma black belts lead Six Sigma projects, green belts, and teams. They are Six Sigma experts with a great deal of experience. Black belts interface with executives and ensure Six Sigma project goals are met. They also act as coaches to people with lower level belts. Certification: To obtain a Six Sigma black belt certification, you must have green belt experience and have completed two Six Sigma projects with signed affidavits. In addition, you have to pass the 4-hour exam, which includes 150 questions. Master Black Belts Six Sigma master black belts act as trainers and coaches to people with lower-level belts. Their role is typically strategic rather than project-based and focuses on Six Sigma at the program and enterprise level. Certification: To obtain a Six Sigma master black belt certification, you need to have at least five years of experience as a Six Sigma black belt or a minimum of 10 completed Six Sigma black belt projects. In addition, you need to pass a two-part exam. Other Six Sigma Roles In addition to the Six Sigma belt designations, organizations typically have Six Sigma executives and champions. A Six Sigma executive’s role is to align the Six Sigma program with the company’s culture and strategy. The champion translates the company’s vision and goals into a comprehensive Six Sigma program and individual projects. Each of these roles plays an important part in ensuring Six Sigma effectively improves a business and its profitability
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Six Sigma Belts and Certifications Demystified

Obtaining your Six Sigma certification makes you stand out from the crowd when you’re applying for a new job or trying to get a promotion with your current employer. Six Sigma expertise is in high demand, and hiring managers at companies that have implemented Six Sigma know the value of certification. They understand the commitment it takes to become Six Sigma certified and might not even consider your application if you don’t have the credential. Six Sigma certification shows employers not only that you understand Six Sigma but also that you are committed and motivated. They instantly recognise that you’re very knowledgeable in reducing costs, increasing revenue, improving quality and processes, and gaining employee buy-in. Six Sigma certification also signals to employers that you’ve been trained to be an effective leader. Whether you’re a certified yellow belt or black belt, Six Sigma training and certification is all about honing your leadership skills. Employers understand that and will reward you for it. Job Opportunities for Six Sigma Certified Yellow, Green, and Black Belts A wide variety of companies and government organizations use Six Sigma and need certified yellow belts, green belts, and black belts. Companies like American Express, Boeing, Amazon.com, and Bank of America have all used Six Sigma to improve processes and business operations. Depending on which belt you have and how much experience you have participating in or leading Six Sigma projects, you could obtain a job in operations, manufacturing, information technology, quality assurance, and more. For example yellow belts, green belts, and black belts could be employed as Six Sigma consultants, production managers, quality analysts, business analysts, manufacturing engineers, process development engineers, project managers, warehouse operations managers, information technology project managers, data scientists, industrial engineers, process improvement directors, and more. The list goes on and on. Salaries for Certified Six Sigma Yellow, Green, and Black Belts Six Sigma certification is a highly sought after credential among employers, and they’re willing to pay top dollar for job candidates that have yellow, green, and black belts. According to Payscale.com, a certified Six Sigma yellow belt employed in the United States could make anywhere from $40,299 to$76,529 per year depending on the company they work for and where they work. Payscale.com reports that certified Six Sigma green belts can earn from $51,280 to$98,381 annually, and certified Six Sigma black belts salaries range from $62,214 to$118,134 per year. Again, depending on how many years of experience you have, which company you work for, and where you work, your salary could go even higher. Six Sigma Job Requirements Keep in mind, most employers won’t even consider a candidate for a Six Sigma position that requires more than entry-level knowledge of the Six Sigma DMAIC framework without yellow belt, green belt, or black belt certification. In addition, many employers want candidates to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business or another relevant field. Coursework in project management, statistics, accounting, finance, and business administration are also important to hiring managers. Finally, employers are most interested in candidates who not only have a Six Sigma certification but also have a history of ongoing education, particularly training related to Six Sigma, project management, and continuous improvement.