What is Yellow Belt?
Even the most effective and time-tested tools must change over time, becoming better and adapting to the realities of the market and the companies in which they are used. Striking examples of this are Lean, Six Sigma, and indeed, the combination of the two: Lean Six Sigma. This is an innovative combination of process management methods based on Six Sigma principles, with a focus on what can be successfully used, not only in manufacturing or construction, but in any area of business.
Lean is a set of practices, tools, techniques, and a way of thinking that leads an organisation to focus on creating value and eliminating waste, so that efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability can increase. Primarily, Lean uses the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle to implement smaller scale improvements on a continual basis – the relentless pursuit of perfection – a process of evolution rather than revolution.
Six Sigma is a methodology aimed at reducing variation in the processes undertaken by an organisation. Six Sigma utilises the DMAIC (Define-Analyse-Measure-Improve-Control) approach, with an emphasis on the use of statistical techniques.
Lean Six Sigma then is the use of both sets of tools and techniques to bring about improvements through reduction in variation and waste to bring additional value to the customer.
Lean Six Sigma methodology is a solution for those who are used to using the best practices, getting the result already when other market participants are still thinking about the expediency of implementing a particular methodology. As practice shows, this concept is adopted by high-level specialists, achieving impressive growth rates, regardless of initial conditions.
What are the Lean Six Sigma Belts?
In the improvement and optimisation of an organisation, business and production, as in the martial arts, there is a gradation of the level of training of the fighter. This is the belt system. It was originally adopted within Six Sigma to delineate the different ‘levels’ of expertise of practitioners, based on a similar principle to that seen traditional martial arts. A performer’s role depends on their belt.
The approach of using belts to indicate various levels of expertise has since migrated from Six Sigma and can be seen too in Lean. Typically, we see White, Yellow, Green, and Black Belts. In six Sigma, they also have Master Black Belts.
White Belts have been trained in the foundations of Lean. They will have a basic knowledge of the Lean Principles and will be able to differentiate between Value and Waste. A good organisational approach is to provide White Belt training across the organisation so that all employees use the same language and have the same understanding of the continuous improvement approach.
White Belt training typically takes 3-4 hours.
Yellow Belts will have completed training that develops their understanding of the Lean Principles and introduces some foundational Lean Tools such as 5S and the 8 Wastes. Typically, training at Yellow Belt will include the completion of a small-scale problem-solving project within the trainee’s workplace.
Yellow Belt training programmes typically involve 2 days of classroom training, with a few weeks working on a project once the training is complete.
Green Belts are trained to run improvement projects utilising both Lean and Six Sigma tools, to deliver benefits across the organisation. Training will include the completion of a project and may also include completion of an exam.
Green Belt programmes will usually take at least 5 days of classroom training with an in-class assessment or exam, followed by several weeks working on an improvement project.
Black Belts operate at a higher level in the organisation and typically provide support and mentoring to Green Belts, as well as managing their own run larger-scale projects delivering significant improvements in terms of customer value and cost reduction.
Black Belt programmes will typically take place over several sessions, each lasting 2-3 days, with an exam upon completion, followed by a higher-level project.
About Yellow Belt
The role of Yellow Belt is to support the deployment of Lean Six Sigma in a company. Yellow Belt specialists are usually engaged in smaller scale, shorter timeframe, problem-solving projects focusing on bringing about improvements in a specific area or department. In addition, they will support Green or Black Belts with larger scale projects in the organisation.
Additional justifications for attaining a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt include the following:
Support Your Enterprise with Defects, Errors and Risk Reduction
By earning a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification, a person will significantly contribute to an organisation’s capacity to find and fix problems.
Boost Organisational Processes and Continue Quality Improvement
You will be able to evaluate and improve a company’s production and operational processes once you have earned your Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification. Additionally, you will be able to analyse present procedures thoroughly and know how they impact quality performance.
Increase your Market Value
People who have earned a Lean Six Sigma certification are knowledgeable about a wide range of tactics that can be utilised to improve employee acceptability, cut costs, and boost revenue, all of which improve the bottom line, regardless of the industry.
Verify Compliance
Personnel with Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification may assist their company in maintaining profitable contracts and adhering to global standards.
Yellow Belts are appropriate for:
- Anyone wanting to solve problems within their organisation as part of a team-based project methodology.
- Anyone interested in reducing waste and variation in the processes within their organisation.
- Anyone interested in improving their skills and knowledge and progressing to Green Belt certification.
Benefits of Yellow Belt:
- Solve Team-based problems
- Improve project success
- Short time span
- Take control of your own improvements
- Small improvements add up
How we can help
At Crystal Lean Solutions, we recognise the cost competitive pressures of organisations operating within markets that won’t stand still. We offer a flexible, yet innovative, approach to Lean deployment with real energy and enthusiasm for your future.
Key topics covered in this training program include:
- Introduction to Six Sigma and the DMAIC methodology
- Six Sigma Graphical Tools: Histogram, Pareto, Run Chart
- Six Sigma root cause Analysis Tools: Fishbone Diagram and the 5 Whys Analysis
- Error Proofing Tools: Visual Management, 5s, Poke Yoke
- A3 Report to manage the project stages
Our LCi Yellow Belt course helps to eliminate defects and rework with our certified Yellow Belt program.
In Summary
You must comprehend how businesses select candidates for new job opportunities or internal promotions if you want to succeed in the modern world. Companies that want to increase the diversity of their skilled workforce have given more priority to developing the requisite skill set. Your current or potential employers will be fully aware of your skills and what you can offer the company if you have a Lean Six Sigma certification. Your certification will serve as proof of your abilities and commitment to doing an excellent job in whichever position you are assigned.
Obtaining your Yellow Belt is required not only for the reasons listed above. Another great motivation to earn your Lean Six Sigma certification is personal development. Regardless of your reason, obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification will support you in advancing your career.