Six Sigma Vs Lean Six Sigma? Which Certification to Choose?

Prospective employers may frequently search for Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma certifications if they pursue a career in Quality Management in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, healthcare, technology, or service industries.

The primary distinction between Lean and Six Sigma is that Lean focuses on redesigning every business area rather than just the manufacturing process. Lean Six Sigma combines these two approaches to produce a potent waste−reduction tool.

Lean and Six Sigma are divided into tracks, each with three levels of certification. Both begin at the Green Belt level and work up to the Black Belt and Master Black Belt levels. So, which route is best for you? Here's a quick rundown of Six Sigma course qualifying requirements.

About Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a data−driven methodology for eliminating flaws in every process, from manufacturing to transactional and product to service. In 1986, two Motorola engineers, Bill Smith, and Mikel J Harry pioneered this strategy. Six Sigma's purpose is to minimize defect rates in any process, and it employs one of two approaches− It is also known as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control).

What is a Six Sigma Green Belt?

It is a lean six sigma certification level in which employees learn numerous problem−solving abilities and how to use them in daily work. This information assists individuals in obtaining better career possibilities with competitive pay packages. Furthermore, it helps individuals perform better in their existing professional positions and secure their place. Initially, this accreditation and practices were only available to persons working in the manufacturing business. However, as time passed, every industry began adapting to it.

As a result, anyone working on six sigma projects can pursue IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification) green belt certification. You should start with the green belt and work up to a black belt. But, before you start preparing for one or enrolling in one, you should compare lean six sigma green vs black belt.

About Lean Six Sigma

It is usual for business processes to evolve to adapt to contemporary technologies and needs. Six Sigma is no exception, and it evolved into a methodology that focuses on process speed and quality by combining lean management principles.

Lean Six Sigma, like Six Sigma, employs the DMAIC technique and follows the same organizational structure− Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt.

What is the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt?

To get an accurate answer for lean six sigma green belt vs six sigma green belt, you must first understand what Lean Six Sigma green belt is and how it can benefit you.

The green belt in this certification is similar to the lean method, which is about reducing mistakes and attaining maximum efficiency. Individuals pursuing this level of certification focus on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve Control) methodology. It is a complex process that aids in the entire process's definition, measurement, analysis, improvement, and management. Following certification, the professional is prepared to manage minor six sigma projects that do not need the advanced level expertise of a black belt.

Six Sigma Vs Lean Six Sigma

Though there aren't many differences between the Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma approaches, let's look at the main areas where they differ−

• The primary distinction is that Lean is a concept, whereas Six Sigma is a program. Six Sigma does not seek to modify organizational culture, but Lean reorganizes employee culture and behavior. As a result, Lean Six Sigma is both a program and a mindset.

• Six Sigma focuses on eradicating faults or flaws that might impede the capacity to provide high−quality services. Six Sigma aims to redesign the process such that process variances are limited to 3.4 defects per million.

Lean Six Sigma focuses on both waste minimization and process acceleration. According to the lean method, there are eight categories of waste− waiting, overproduction, rework, motion, overprocessing, inventory, intelligence, and unnecessary. It attempts to decrease process variance, resulting in a faster iterative improvement cycle.

In a nutshell, Six Sigma focuses on the customer and the end product, whereas Lean Six Sigma focuses on waste and production methods.

• Six Sigma Green Belt is appropriate for you if you are an experienced expert who has supported quality improvement initiatives. However, if you have no prior experience, you can pursue the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, which has no requirements. You may learn about the Six Sigma DMAIC method and other topics in Lean Six Sigma.

• There is a significant distinction between Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma regarding ownership. Six Sigma places the implementation burden on special−purpose teams constituted particularly for the purpose. On the other hand, Lean Six Sigma necessitates the acceptance of all process participants since it aspires to continuous improvement across the whole value stream of operations.

Choosing the Right Certification

There is some ambiguity regarding the degree of certification.

• The proper accreditation body −  Always ensure that the certification body is recognized by the world's prominent organizations and bodies. The American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the International Association for Six Sigma Qualification are the two most widely recognized accrediting organizations in the world (IASSC).

• The appropriate degree of qualification − As previously stated, there are four levels of certification. It would be best if you chose which certificate is ideal for you. Examine the qualifications and eligibility for each certification before deciding on the best one.

Conclusion

It is safe to assume that the certification you wish to pursue is determined by your professional objectives and the job you seek. Unless the aspirant has a clear goal, the debate between lean six Sigma and six sigma green belt will continue. Begin by learning about the certification and determining the SSGB certification criteria. Then, consider how it can help you advance in your job and determine the course and level you want to pursue.

Once you've decided on a certification, you'll need to put in a lot of effort to prepare for it. To obtain client pleasure, the educators will teach you to identify and address defects and offer high−quality items on time.