Six Sigma

Six Sigma strengthens a company’s business processes or systems and increases customer value by understanding their changing requirements, which improves the bottom line. It succeeds process improvement methodologies, such as Total Quality Management (TQM). It focuses more on the customer, advanced statistical analysis, and ROI. 

Initiated by Motorola Corporation in the 1980s, its use spread across General Electric, Boeing, and others. Six Sigma has traditionally been popular, saving Fortune 500 companies billions of dollars. It remains one of the main study frameworks in operations. 

But today, when industry 4.0 and 5.0, sustainability, and Big Data are buzzwords, the discipline shows its need in the services sector, especially in Asia, South America, and Africa. This comes from empirical studies in IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management on ResearchGate. 

Six Sigma Course Details

Current Trends in Six Sigma in 2024

• One of the key trends to note is that organisations are making decision-making processes more efficient. For that, defects and root causes need to be identified in real-time. IEEE researchers mention the need to merge Big Data into Six Sigma. 
• Reducing the carbon footprint is a motto of current organisations focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. As per IEEE, Six Sigma can be integrated into processes to reduce environmental waste and improve continuously. Think of improvements in fuel consumption, sustainable supply chains, etc. 
• According to product professionals such as Rob Plumridge, many Industry 4.0 tools continue to employ Six Sigma principles like SPC (Statistical Process Control) as their core, enhancing and simplifying them for wider usability.

Why Learn Six Sigma in 2024?

• Six Sigma Academy mentions that Black Belt-certified professionals can save $230,000 annually for companies.
• The average annual pay for Six Sigma Black Belts in India is INR 16.2 Lakhs, whereas a Six Sigma Consultant gets up to INR 32 Lakhs (AmbitionBox). But in the United States, the same certification can boost the pay to $106k per year, according to ASQ. 
• Lean principles are now more appealing to businesses that follow the Six Sigma methodology. The prestigious Council for Six Sigma Certification recommends learning Lean Six Sigma for professionals focused on joining the public sector. 
• According to Heriot-Watt University’s research portal, implementing Lean Six Sigma in digitally emerging technology companies is challenging because there is low operational excellence awareness and maturity. This demands a need for dedicated learning.  
• Lean Six Sigma is used widely in healthcare, and is also fast-growing in the services sector, specifically, banking. 
• ASQ mentions integrating Six Sigma training as ‘process-oriented’ instead of learning this methodology for its tools. 

How to Learn Six Sigma in 2024?

So if you are starting from scratch, here's a breakdown of the Six Sigma learning path. 

• At the beginning, the best is self-study through resources online. In terms of focus, learn the core concepts of Six Sigma and the DMAIC cycle (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control).
• You can optionally take the White Belt Certification. It provides a basic understanding of Six Sigma principles, terminology, and tools.
• Go for the Yellow Belt Certification, when you have basic Six Sigma knowledge (e.g., from White Belt). Ideally you should focus on contributing to improvement projects.
• For in-depth training on Six Sigma tools, statistical analysis, project management, and leadership skills, the next step is the Green Belt certification. At this stage, you get the opportunity to apply learnings through real-world projects under the guidance of experienced professionals.

• After Green Belt, you would want to lead complex improvement initiatives and manage Six Sigma programs (Black Belt) or mentor others (Master Black Belt). With this belt, you will be adept at advanced training in Six Sigma methodologies, statistical analysis, and leadership.

Eligibility for Six Sigma Certification 

There are no prescribed eligibility criteria to take up any of the Six Sigma certifications. But, certain amount of work experience and training is required by a candidate willing to take any of the certifications offered at various levels.

Candidates pursuing the training programme have to take a test at the end of the training. Only those candidates who clear the test will be awarded the Six Sigma certifications basis the level of training they have opted for.

Take a look at the Six Sigma certification eligibility criteria below.

Six Sigma Courses

Six Sigma Tools and Methodologies 

Six Sigma Job Profiles

Implementing Six Sigma in business can offer a number of benefits in terms of productivity and growth. Organizations seeking continuous quality improvement are provided with an objective method to diagnose problems, a system to organize employee efforts, and an improved methodology that can be applied to the new or upcoming process.

The scope of Six Sigma differs for every industry basis its implementation. Following are the industries that are most benefited from Six Sigma’s application: 

• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Construction
• Finance
• Supply chain
• Healthcare

Check out six sigma interview questions to ace the interview round.

Career Opportunities after Six Sigma Certifications

Following are some of the popular job profiles one can look forward to after the completion of your Six Sigma Certification.

Career Opportunities after Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification

Six Sigma Yellow Belt certified professionals can look forward to the following job profiles. Salary ranges from 4 – 10 LPA.

• Business Optimisation Specialist
• Supply Chain Manager
• Continuous Improvement Manager
• Technical Support Manager
• Business Process Analyst

Career Opportunities after Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt certified professionals can look forward to the following job profiles. Salary ranges from 5 – 12 LPA.

• Manager
• Management Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Performance Excellence Manager
• Supply Chain Program Analyst
• Operational Excellence Manager

Career Opportunities after Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt certified professionals can look forward to the following job profiles. Salary ranges from 6 – 22 LPA.

• Operations Manager
• Operation Team Leader
• Project Manager
• Quality Manager

Top Companies hiring Six Sigma Certified candidates

While Six Sigma is a job training programme, top companies generally prefer candidates having a Six Sigma certification over the rest, while hiring. Here is a curated list of companies hiring Six Sigma certified professionals.

• Tata Consultancy Services
• Accenture
• Genpact
• HCL
• IBP
• Volkswagen
• General Electrics
• Honeywell
• United Health Group

Career progression in Six Sigma is straightforward - you get the right training and pass the certification exams, and move up with the right Belts with the recommended years of experience. Also, as a Six Sigma practitioner, you will have transferable skills. Along with that, you will build a mindset for continuous improvement, which in invaluable to all sizes of businesses.