Some people are surprised to find Six Sigma in retail. 
The retail industry is a fast paced environment that requires quick timing and superior customer service. So, using Six Sigma in retail is not hard to imagine, because this industry can’t afford to have problematic processes.
Retail outlets, such as clothing, sporting goods, and home improvement stores require excellent customer service, timely delivery of products, and proper inventory counts to be successful. Using Six Sigma in retail provides a proven strategy for improving these vital elements.
The methodology utilizes statistical analysis rather than guess work to improve processes within the organization. The areas that require improvement could include maintaining accurate inventory levels to decreasing delivery times. Global Six Sigma offers a structured training program for all levels of an organization from upper level management to sales associates.
More importantly, this program will teach you how to implement Six Sigma in retail environment as a way to improve any process that is not functioning properly. By finding out what the problem is and determining a real world solution to fixing it, your organization can improve customer service and many times reduce spending.
Global Six Sigma’s proven track record with helping to implement Six Sigma in retail organizations speaks volumes about the success of the program. Inventory counts will be more accurate, delivery times will improve, and overall customer satisfaction will grow, resulting in increased sales, because customers can now depend on your organization as a reliable source of products and services.
Six Sigma in retail can be broken up into different levels of certification. The best implementation of Six Sigma in retail begins with upper level management and owners. To ensure success, we offer a two day onsite Champion program or a one day public Overview class.
This training provides detailed information about Six Sigma methodologies. Larger companies may prefer going with the two day Champion program compared to smaller organizations that would benefit from the one day Overview. These programs will provide valuable information regarding what Six Sigma is, how many employees should be enrolled, the belt levels needed, and which employees should be certified.
Global Six Sigma offers three levels of certification: the Green Belt, the Black Belt, and the Master Black Belt all of which are utilized with Six Sigma in retail implementations. Although our training is industry generic and shows you how to complete Six Sigma projects within any organization, we will provide insight on how to use Six Sigma in retail scenarios.
Every level of training may be completed through public or onsite classes. Our onsite program allows you to work as a group on one or more projects, and the training can be customized to fit your needs. For instance, instructors may incorporate more examples of using Six Sigma in retail environments. We also offer a convenient online option, which can be adapted to fit an entire organization for an additional charge.
Our Green Belt program consists of two weeks of training. The first week is the JumpStart and offers a basic understanding of Six Sigma in retail industries. Each week will focus on the basics of the DMAIC process, which is the standard methodology used for Six Sigma projects.
There is approximately one month separating each week of training, and students will be required to complete a project for the company they are working for or a non-profit organization, if they are attending without sponsorship.
We also offer an online Green Belt program that is self paced and provides the option of completing a project. Online Green Belt project certifications may be done for an additional fee. Students taking the online program will be required to complete all modules and examinations before being awarded a certificate.
Black Belt certification is the next level. Although a Green Belt is required to achieve Black Belt status, Global Six Sigma created the first four week Black Belt. The four week course will begin with two weeks of Green Belt training, and then go deeper into the DMAIC process in the last two weeks of Black Belt training. The options to learn about Six Sigma in retail are available onsite, in-class, or online.
As with the Green Belt, each week of the public or onsite training is separated by approximately one month, which provides the student with time necessary to begin working on his/her project. Black Belts are required to complete one project, when taking the on-site or in-class courses, while online trainees must complete all required modules, hours, and examinations. Just like the Green Belt, online students have the option of receiving Black Belt project certification for an additional charge.
Master Black Belts are the highest level of certification and are typically leaders within an organization. Master Black Belts mentor, guide, teach, and lead projects with both Green and Black Belt individuals assigned to them. The Master Black Belt program is offered as a public class only.
This certification requires in depth understanding of the entire Six Sigma process, the completion of a minimum number of projects, and demonstrated leadership qualities. For more information about our different courses or implementing Six Sigma in retail, please contact one of our representatives at 855-873-4833 .
