What is Six Sigma?

If you read 100 different texts on six sigma you will probably get 100 different definitions. At Aster we define six sigma methodology as a structured, systematic approach to continuous improvement activities within an organisation that will ultimately lead to cost reduction, habitual problem solving and waste removal. This activity will ultimately improve an organisations' operational performance, practices and systems. 

Six sigma represents six standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limit in any process. To achieve Six Sigma, a process must not produce more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities or be 99.9997% perfect. 

A six sigma approach encompasses a number of quality tools and techniques not dissimilar to lean or Kaizen. Our six sigma training courses aim to provide the delegate with a progressive insight into six sigma and the benefits it can deliver to an organisation.

All of our Six Sigma Training Courses are delivered by our Master Black Belt, Paul Martin.

Paul has over 20 years experience working within the field of quality and continuous improvement within various industry sectors including:

• Automotive – 15 years working in 1st Tier automotive supply with Ford, Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen on development of quality assurance systems and right first time processes to best practice worldwide quality standards

• Financial services – 2 years at Arthur Andersen applying continuous improvement and BPR to financial transactional processes

• FMCG – 2 years at Avon cosmetics as head of quality and order processing – using automotive quality techniques within picking, packing, customer service and distribution

• Contract Catering – 2 years at Compass Group as Head of Accounts Payable developing new business processes and improving existing processes within the financial shared service centre to deliver significant process improvement

• Sales and Servicing – 2 years as Six Sigma Black Belt with Finning UK Ltd delivering over £1M in benefits through Six Sigma DMAIC projects.

• Consulting – 1 year as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt working with various clients on Six Sigma training and project management

Pauls key skills include business process and system analysis, BPR, team development, coaching and mentoring for improvement, training in quality, continuous improvement, lean and DMAIC Six Sigma.

Aster's six sigma training courses are structured as follows:

• A one day Introduction to Six Sigma Training Course - Yellow Belt

• An eight day Six Sigma Green Belt Training Course

• A sixteen day Six Sigma Black Belt Training course

Six Sigma Certification is available for both the Green and Black Belt training programmes. Contact us for further information.