Requirements: Each participant must have a notebook for his or her own use during the class sessions. NEPIRC does have a limited number of notebook computers available for student use; however, these are reserved on a first come-first serve basis.

Individuals using their own laptops may purchase Minitab from NEPIRC (at cost) for the price of $1,150. or load their own version of Minitab, provided that it is the latest release. Individuals wishing to purchase Minitab should contact NEPIRC for more information

What is Six Sigma?  Six Sigma is a problem solving methodology that uses statistical tools and techniques to greatly reduce the frequency of defect and errors within products and services. Six Sigma initiatives increase customer satisfaction and decrease operating costs by identifying, analyzing and eliminating variation within production, business administration and customer service processes so that defects and errors can be measured in units per million or even units per billion. Typically, Six Sigma is implemented through the performance of targeted improvement projects that apply the proven DMAIC approach to a specific production or administrative process. When implemented in this way, each Six Sigma project consists of a Design, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control phase. Most projects can be performed by qualified Six Sigma Green Belts, with Six Sigma Black Belts assisting in the project chartering, data collection, data analysis and improvement sustainability aspects of the project as needed. More intensive projects may require the extensive experience typically held only by certified Six Sigma Black Belts or Master Black Belts.

Needs & Benefits: Six Sigma training is a great fit for any company that:

• is burdened by defect rates that are not significantly below the average within the industry
• suffers from poor customer satisfaction or has lost sight of its customer's true product requirements
• is receiving downward price pressure from key customers, cannot hold current customer prices without eroding its margins, or wants to reduce product prices as a way to combat foreign competition and gain market share or;
• desires to shift the focus of its quality program away from the cost of quality and towards the benefits of operating in  a zero-defect environment

Companies participating in this training will benefit by having an on-staff Six Sigma Green Belt who can identify and conduct Six Sigma projects with limited outside involvement or Six Sigma Black Belt assurance. Participants will:

• Learn the Six Sigma philosophy from a certified Six Sigma Black Belt
• Learn and be able to apply the proven DMAIC approach for Six Sigma implementation
• Learn how to identify opportunities, charter and conduct Six Sigma projects independently or as part of a small group
• Receive Green Belt Certification from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center

Successes:  Companies implementing Six Sigma have recognized the following benefits:

• order processing time reductions of nearly 75%
• first-pass yield improvements of over 53%
• on-time delivery rate increases of up to 85%
• cycle time reductions approximating 31%

Course Description: This five-day course provides comprehensive coverage of the DMAIC method, a variety of Six Sigma Green Belt level statistical tools and other Six Sigma concepts, roles and implementation approaches. Participants will learn how to identify, evaluate and conduct Six Sigma projects within their companies and will apply the DMAIC process to a Six Sigma Green Belt project that spans the length of the course. Participants will also be provided with Minitab statistical software for use during the course. At the onset of the course, each participant will be encouraged to identify and perform a small Six Sigman project within their workplace. Individuals accepting that challenge will be given additional one-on-one coaching time for help with their unique project.

Who Should Attend? This program is geared towards process improvement professionals or those actively engaged in identifying and eliminating production or office process wastes as a means to improve the company's bottom-line financial results. It is ideal for Manufacturing Engineers, Product Engineers, Production Managers, Quality Managers, Industrial Engineers, Controllers and Plant Managers.