What Is Lean
Manufacturing Without Six Sigma Consulting?
Many executives have asked the question: “What
is lean manufacturing without six sigma consulting?” in an
attempt to save money. This is an important question that
demands an answer.
Six sigma is one of the
cornerstones of lean manufacturing; in fact, it is certainly
the most popular quality program in history. From its
beginnings with the Motorola Corporation, to the present day,
six sigma consulting has played an integral part in improving
the bottom line for countless companies. Many plastic injection
molding companies, for example, have benefited greatly from
this process.
Because the time requirements of six sigma are significant,
management must accept the fact that this is a long-term
obligation with several employees being at least 50% dedicated
to implementing the program.
Six sigma Champions
• Champions are Business Leaders who lead Six sigma by
sponsoring projects
• Champions are trained by focusing on the essential
components of six sigma and choosing projects that fit with the
overall goals of the company
• Champions then choose and mentor Six sigma project leaders
called Belts
• Champions must support and integrate the Six Sigma Launch
into their company.
Six sigma Master Black Belt
• This is very often the main support person to the
Champions
• Six sigma Green Belts and Six sigma Black Belts are taught
by the Master Black Belt
• Extensive project management experience is required
• Proven mastery of Six sigma Methodology is required
• Proven mastery of Six sigma Statistical Tools is
required
• Future leaders of an organization are often Master Black
Belts
Six sigma Belts
• Six sigma black belts are people who have been trained in
the Six sigma roadmap
• Because six sigma certification requires both projects and
training, a one month time period is required between each week
of training.
• Black belts typically spend 75% of their time working on a
4 to 6 month six sigma projects. They receive 4 weeks training
on the six sigma road map and statistical methodology.
Six sigma Green Belts
• Green belts receive 2 weeks training in the six sigma road
map and the essential of the statistical methodology. They
typically spend 50% of the time on their 4 to 6 month
projects.
Six sigma consulting
As is evident just from the above overview of six sigma,
consulting is a necessary component of this essential component
of any lean
manufacturing process. True, it is possible to implement
six sigma without hiring a consultant, but in that case you
would essentially be training you own, in-house consultant.
Training your own specialist will still require the use of
outside expertise and training. This person could then in turn
train others in the same manner, but the time required for this
approach make it impractical.
What should you look for in six sigma
consulting?
Asking your counterparts from companies similar in size and
type to yours is a great place to begin. Word of mouth
advertising is always the best. A trusted recommendation can
save a lot of time and expense as well.
What are some good reasons for hiring a
consultant?
• You have somebody to blame. Any time you analyze and
reorganize a company, somebody is going to get blamed or hurt.
The consultant is an outside, detached person who has no
personal interests at stake.
• Consultants are skilled at explaining the changes. Since
they have done this many times before and faced similar
situations, it is much easier for them to explain things to
your company.
• Keeps you focused on what you do best. If you have the
personnel, you might not need a consultant, but small to medium
sized companies usually are better off to outsource it.
Where can you find a good resource?

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Conclusion
It appears that the answer the question of "What is lean
manufacturing without six sigma consulting," is "A lot of work
and possibly a waste of time and manpower."
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