Part 1 of this article discussed the reasons why a company’s supply chain is an ideal place to implement a Six Sigma project and what factors should be taken into account. In this article we will briefly discuss the roles of each Six Sigma professional when implementing a project for your supply chain.
Supply Chain Considerations and Belt Level Engagement
One of the most productive places to begin a Six Sigma project is in the area of supply chain management. Not only does the supply chain offer a range of short-term and long-term projects, it also allows for active engagement from the entire range of Six Sigma belt-level professionals. Each Six Sigma belt level can play a unique role in getting the ball rolling in the right direction when it comes to making a positive impact on corporate sustainability practices and stronger TBL ratings.
At the same time, corporate leaders who have received Six Sigma training and certification can offer a stronger collection of skills and knowledge to help an organization boost triple bottom line (TBL) success across organizational divisions.
Project Level Leaders and Supply Chain Roles
At the Project Level, each belt level represents individuals who have been trained to contribute to projects in specific and slightly overlapping ways. When examining a supply chain, a wide range of skills are needed to bring about lasting change:
Black Belt: Leads the way for problem-solving projects. Helps bring people on-board and set goals for problem-solving. A Six Sigma Black Belt is a people person that trains team members and sets a positive tone through effective management and coaching of project teams.- Green Belt: Collects data and leads the data analysis process for the Black Belt projects. Each Six Sigma Green Belt is also a leader of the metrics and analytics team that supports project goals.
- Master Black Belt: Generally a multifaceted and experienced Six Sigma leader and teacher that can develop and create the metrics that are needed for each stage of the process. Six Sigma Master Black Belts are key players in the strategic management of the project.
- Yellow Belt: Skilled participant in the team process who can review process improvements and communicate findings and suggestions.
- White Belt: Knowledgeable team member with a clear awareness of Six Sigma strategies who can work across teams to support project goals.
From minimizing waste, to sourcing more sustainable projects, to increasing the transparency between the organization and its partners, the skills and knowledge gained in every level of Six Sigma certification are an important factor in a project’s positive outcome.
In addition to the above project-level belt levels, there are also Six Sigma Executives and Champions at the organizational level who can help clear obstacles, be advocates for team leaders and secure the support needed for the allocation of resources necessary to drive success. These roles include:
- Six Sigma Champions: Orchestrate all projects of the overall plan and ensure that the projects are in alignment with organizational goals and the corporate mission statement. Champions are positioned at the organizational level and are needed to sway opinions when necessary and build strong alliances for the project.
- Executives: Provide the overall strategic alignment for Six Sigma methodologies with the organization’s multifaceted culture and boardroom level vision. Executives and Champions work together to support the belt-level leaders throughout the life cycle of the project.
Many organizations utilize Six Sigma consultants for specific projects over time. Other organizations train in-house leaders to address and mitigate corporate challenges. In either case, Six Sigma professionals are in demand, especially in corporations striving to improve TBL performance.
For Six Sigma leaders who understand supply chain management and the applications of Six Sigma for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of an organization’s resources, the potential is there to leverage the competitive edge and address one of today’s industry-wide challenges.
