Organizations continually look for ways to improve processes and make operations more efficient. That’s a given in today’s competitive marketplace. The issue now is finding quality people to take responsibility for making progress in those areas.

Increasingly, companies look to those with Lean or Six Sigma certification to take on those jobs.

Why? Because much like adapting data-driven decision-making models, it’s easier to talk about process improvement than to actually do it. Reaping the benefits of process improvement requires hiring people who understand the tools, techniques and strategies required for improvements and the best practices for implementing them.

In the beginning, Lean training became popular primarily in manufacturing. But it has since spread to other industries as more organizations adopt Lean methods. You can find stories about Lean in healthcare, the military, legal firms, universities and supply chain management, to name a few.

Streamlining Processes Through Lean Six Sigma Tools and Techniques

Stories about the expansion of Lean beyond manufacturing are numerous. For example, Ed Hayes, a legal staff professional with more than 35 years of experience, told Six Sigma Daily that he has brought Lean tools to bear on challenges in the legal profession. In particular, he said Lean has been useful in process mapping.

“It is quite exciting to see how others recognize the value and embrace process maps, SIPOC diagrams and other tools and concepts. We can accomplish so much and make things more streamlined by using these tools,” he said.

One study from the Journal of Thoracic Disease even recommended the use of Lean Six Sigma methodologies to help reduce “complications during and after lobectomies.” Members of the Illinois State Police told a state senate committee that Lean Six Sigma has helped reduce the backlog at a DNA lab.

Why Earn a Lean or Six Sigma Certification?

Professionals always seek an edge. Earning a Lean Six Sigma certification can give you a new perspective on the advantages of process improvement. It also can help prepare you with knowledge to put Lean and Six Sigma strategies to use to solve real-world business problems.

That can help make those who earn certification more attractive as job candidates and more valuable to their company.

In an interview with Six Sigma Daily, Brian Kornfeld, who founded Synapse, a nonprofit designed to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Florida, said that the “next big trend in process improvement will continue to be Lean. People are often looking for ways to save time and money. That won’t go away anytime soon.”

Roles of Six Sigma Belt Levels

Six Sigma awards belts for earning certification at different levels. The belt system is categorized by color.

  • White Belt – Beginner level, learning Six Sigma jargon and basic tools.
  • Yellow Belt – Work on project teams, review process improvements that support the project.
  • Green Belt – Work under the direction of Black Belts on project teams, assist with data collection and analysis. Can also lead smaller scope Green Belt projects.
  • Black Belt – Lead project teams, oversee all activities, coach project team members.
  • Master Black Belt – Top level belt holder coaches Black Belts and Green Belts, typically helps set direction and strategy for an organization’s Lean Six Sigma efforts.

Some educational institutions, such as Villanova University, offer a Lean Sensei certification, which is considered a certification specifically for Lean practitioners. Villanova also offers Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt courses and associated certification exams.