Six Sigma in the IT industry has been long overdue. The information technology (IT) sector is a growing industry that is spreading its services on a global scale. However, in today’s economy even the IT industry is looking for ways to reduce costs and improve customer service. Global Six Sigma can enhance the way the IT industry functions by improving processes within an organization.
Six Sigma is a proven methodology that combines data collection, statistical analysis and the DMAIC process to solve unknown problems by providing accurate answers and solutions. Six Sigma in the IT industry will use a step-by-step process to define problems and then implements safeguards into the system to prevent these problems from reoccurring.
The Six Sigma in the IT industry focuses on customer service. These customers could be external or internal. Problems within a process can cause lost revenue and customer service problems. Let’s take for example internal problems occurring within a help desk scenario. Help desks can be plagued by call volume glitches. These issues can be caused by a number of scenarios, including lack of training, old infrastructure, or an undermanned call center.
By implementing Six Sigma within your IT organization, you can determine what the real issues are, and then use these proven methodologies to better manage call volumes and improve call times, as well as other issues that may be hampering customer service.
Six Sigma in the IT industry can also be used to improve the process required for ordering new equipment or getting faulty equipment repaired in a timely manner. Basically, it is all about the type of process you have in place, and what problems exist within the process. The issue could be related to a lack of employee training or inconsistencies within a process. Six Sigma allows you to determine where the failure exists through statistical analysis, so that the critical problems can be remedied the right way the first time.
Six Sigma in the IT industry can be used to solve problems and Global Six Sigma can provide the training required to be successful. We offer numerous courses that give employers and employees the chance to obtain different levels of Six Sigma certification. Although not required, upper level management within the IT sector is encouraged to conduct a two day Champion course at their facility, which will provide an overview of the Six Sigma process and the knowledge necessary to make important decisions regarding, who should be certified and at what level.
Six Sigma in the IT industry should start with upper level management completing a Champion program. Although it is possible to implement Six Sigma in the IT industry without this step, we have found that the most successful organizations start by educating the highest levels of management and work their way down.
It is vital for upper level managers to have an understanding of Six Sigma, so that they may provide the proper support and the correct implementation. For smaller companies, there is a one day Overview course or a four day JumpStart, which can be taken to meet similar requirements. In order for the Six Sigma process to work at its best, upper level IT management must take an active role in the process, and these courses are the stepping stones to getting started. Once the upper level management has obtained an overview of the Six Sigma process, they can decide how many students they want to enroll in the courses.
We offer Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt certifications. The Green Belt course is a two week program that can be taken in-class or on-site. There is approximately one month in between the first week and second week of Green Belt training. This provides an opportunity for Six Sigma in the IT industry students to work on their individual projects.
We require that our students complete a project for certification, so that they have hands on experience. This means that your organization will see the benefits of Six Sigma in the IT industry from the beginning. Students that are completing the course on their own may choose to do a project for a nonprofit organization in their area.
The next certification level is the Black Belt. Global Six Sigma was the first organization to offer a four week Black Belt course, which includes two weeks of required Green Belt training. Six Sigma in the IT industry would then move students into an additional two weeks of training which would cover the Black Belt material. This is the perfect option for individuals that want to go directly into a Black Belt certification.
This program is also offered as an onsite option for implementing Six Sigma in the IT industry. Each week of training is separated by approximately one month. The four week Black Belt requires the completion of only one project for certification. Global Six Sigma also offers an online Green Belt and Black Belt certification, which is self paced and requires the completion of specific modules and examinations. Online students have the option of adding project certification for an additional charge. Our onsite and online programs may be customized to fit your organizations specific requirements.
Master Black Belt is the highest level of Six Sigma certification that can be achieved. Master Black Belts mentor and lead Green Belts and Black Belts with ongoing projects. These individuals are leaders within the organization and are a critical part of Six Sigma in the IT industry. Master Black Belts devote 100% of their time to Six Sigma. The Master Black Belt course is only offered in-class or onsite. For more information about our different programs or implementing Six Sigma in the IT industry, please contact one of our representatives today, or go to www.sixsigmatraining.us for more detailed information and informative articles.
