Lean Six Sigma Training Options

Six Sigma training has to be goal-based to improve performance.

Training should help the organization deal with problems such as the elimination of strategies that do not produce the expected results, improvement initiatives with no long-term gains and metrics that are meaningless.

Six Sigma Training methods

In this age of high-tech methods, various options are available for effective training. Popular ones are classroom training and Six Sigma online training. A combination of the two also can achieve good results, if applied using relevant and meaningful scope to achieve realistic goals.

The training of the candidates includes sessions on guidelines to provide the best Six Sigma and Lean tools, usage of theory testing and other training based on the needs of the particular industry.

Classroom Method

The most common methodology for training in all sorts of industries is the classroom method. The choice of the methodology should be based on the type of participants of the training.

Classroom training in a formal atmosphere brings about group dynamics which is great for productive learning. Interaction with the trainers and colleagues helps understand all matters with great clarity.

Another advantage is that it helps develop a sense of association among co-workers on the matter of change and new developments.

Six Sigma Online Training

Six Sigma online training, or e-learning, is a very good methodology that is being adopted by a number of companies. The only important aspect of this type of training is the disciplined application of time by the employees to undertake training within a specific schedule.

Six Sigma online training can be given to employees at a place and time suitable for them. They can engage in training even after their regular working hours. Online training is generally simulation-based, and key concepts are clarified for those undertaking the training.

The standards to be applied for undertaking the different types of training is dependent upon the employee connection with the training needs, continuity required in the training and the need for instructor and student interaction - direct or indirect.

Values

The analysis of the suitability and benefits of the two methodologies has to be understood before designing the appropriate methodology for training.

The benefits and cost-effectiveness of the methodologies, as well as appropriate design, is what management has to consider and plan accordingly.

Results

When business skills have to be developed, the need for classroom training is more effective. Training for Lean Six Sigma should be designed as a business course.

The course material for the training can be derived from consultants or providers.

Costs

The cost of the training will vary for each methodology. The importance of the objectives to be achieved from the initiatives has to be weighed.

The corporate strategies and the effect on the profitability and competitiveness it provides for the company's market strategies have to be considered.

Along with these matters, consideration is also necessary on the certification needs of those who have undertaken training.

By Tony Jacowski
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/management-articles/lean-six-sigma-training-options-583149.html

How Lean Six Sigma Training Inspires Quality And Efficiency

There are certain basic things such as data authenticity, effective logistics, reduction in cycle times and so on that makes the Lean Six Sigma training initiative bring new efficiency and quality to companies.

Data Authenticity

The data that goes into Lean Six Sigma improvement projects should be highly authentic.

Efforts have to be made to collect genuine data and bring about effective improvements in processes and products.

Production Systems

Lean emphasizes the sequential production system, rather than using the shop scheduling technique. The sequential technique is very effective in manufacturing only those amounts that are required by the next process - and only when they are required.

Additionally, it effectively helps reduce waste to a large extent, as well as eliminating the sources causing waste. It is about developing a system of understanding the priorities on the shop floor.

This technique is useful not only for big organizations, but shows good results for small and medium-sized businesses as well.

Managing Performance

A Lean project requires a team effort at all stages. A team that works closely without any misunderstandings can combine their efforts to achieve the desired results on schedule.

The project manager has to work towards motivating the team to put in their efforts towards achieving the goals and objectives of the organization.

Effective Logistics

The Lean Six Sigma system helps develop an effective logistics system that aims at reducing inventory carrying costs and waste.

This helps the continuous flow of raw materials to finished goods from one process to another.

Cycle-Time Reduction

Lean Six Sigma training enables reduction in cycle times that are a major cause of excess non-value added costs. The efforts are all about eliminating the causes of the excessive cycle times.

Short-term solutions to such problems will only give rise to the similar problems in future.

Linear Production System

Lean Six Sigma training helps develop a production model such that the production happens as and when the demand exists for the product. Often, in the traditional form of production system, goods are produced in larger amount so that they may be given immediately on demand.

However, this always produces the probability of products being wasted, if the product demand goes down due to various reasons, such as seasonal nature of product demand, non-compliance to quality standards, defective batch production and so on.

With a linear production system, such problems can be overcome with the least amount of waste.

Timely Decisions

Lean Six Sigma makes it possible for manufacturing firms to make timely decisions regarding all factors such as product demand, new recruitment, downsizing and so on.

Timely decisions allow for grasping an opportunity at the right time, which helps increase profitability.

These features of Lean Six Sigma help bring in efficiency and quality to all companies, small and large alike. The project advantage will be sustained over a long period of time.

Power By Tony Jacowski