Six Sigma -- Competencies for key personnel and their organizations in relation to Six Sigma and Lean implementation

• ISO 13053-1, Quantitative methods in process improvement — Six Sigma — Part 1: DMAIC methodology
• ISO 13053-2, Quantitative methods in process improvement — Six Sigma — Part 2: Tools and techniques.

Much debate has been had on the nature of Six Sigma and Lean, their commonality and their differences. Various combinations of the two approaches exist, many under the umbrella title of ‘Lean Six Sigma’, with the Lean approach focusing on the reduction of‘chronic’ waste and Six Sigma aiming at the reduction of variation and its adverse effects.

The following documents are normatively referenced in the standard and are indispensable for its application.

ISO 18404 sets out the separate competency requirements for Six Sigma and Lean implementation. It also provides a combined competency framework for Lean and Six Sigma.

ISO 18404:2015 clarifies the required competencies in Six Sigma, Lean and Lean Six Sigma for individuals and also for organizations. Previously, ISO 13053 had defined the basic terms and guidance for those using Six Sigma, but until ISO 18404 there was no global certifiable standard on what constitutes thedifferent ‘belt’ levels, or what is required in an organization which deploys these approaches.

The standard aims to help you:

• Showcase the organization’s competence in Six Sigma and Lean
• Identify and interpret the requirements for deployment
• Build a system to manage applications of the Lean andSix sigma approaches
• Structure a defensible implementation of personnel and techniques
• Plan and deploy effective training to deliver required benefits