Black Belt Certification Awarded to Business Excellence Manager After Increasing Production Capacity by 52%
Originally Published 2.10.2018
MAKATI CITY, Philippines - The Philippines gained another Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt last February 9; as The Six Sigma Guy awards Carlo Vergara his Black Belt Certification after increasing overall production capacity in the company where he conducted his project by 52%.
Also on that day, was the last day of our first Green Belt Class this 2018. The graduating wave was fortunate enough to witness the awarding and gather a few insights from the awardee's testimonial about his project. Carlo Also left a few tips for the group and encouraged them to complete their project and get certified.
Our team also conducted a one-on-one interview with him after the awarding to gather more tips that might be helpful for our readers who are aspiring to get their Lean Six Sigma Certifications.
Q. What prompted you to take the Lean Six Sigma Workshop?
A. The Sr. Process Engineer post was a new role in my previous company back then. The role dealt with:
-- ensuring that processes are performed as per standard, and
-- continuously improving them.
The Lean Six Sigma workshop is a perfect fit for the new role.
Q. What Prompted you to start your project?
A. The expansion of the food business arm of the company prompted me to start the project. The project was launched to:
-- lower the production cost per unit, and
-- keep up with the demand due to the opening of new stores.
Q. What was your project about?
A. The project was to increase weekly production capacity to lower the monthly production cost per unit to the required level of PHP 4.00 or lower.
Q. What was it like for you, starting up and executing your own project?
A. At first it was challenging. While this is the second time a Lean Six Sigma project was launched in the company, there is still much mentoring to do to enlighten them on the value that a Lean Six Sigma project can deliver. When the first significant impact was made, the project went smooth sailing.
Q. What were the results of your project?
A. The team was able to increase the capacity by 39% for the products in the scope of the project, and 52% for the overall production capacity. The monthly production cost per unit for all products was decreased to PHP 3.65
Q. Among/Aside from the Action Items that were done, what were the key elements that led to the success of your project?
A. My two direct reports and my production team are forward thinkers. They are not afraid of trying new things. They also have high awareness and are ready to report immediately any finding that will contribute to the success of the project.
Q. What was the impact of your project on your company?
A. Aside from the capacity increase mentioned above, the project was able to save around PHP 800k in operations costs annually.
Q. What was the impact of being a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt on you as an individual / professional?
A. Being a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt greatly increased my personal growth. It has increased my sense of curiosity and my drive to discover and learn. Professionally, I recently transferred to a BPO company. And I got the new role because of the certification.
Q. What would be your message to those who are currently taking/planning to take the Green Belt Program or those who are currently conducting their own projects?
A.
1. If you're still planning to take the Lean Six Sigma program, take the Lean Six Sigma program. You'll learn a lot of things, even more than what you expect! :)
2. The project sponsor is important. He/She will get you through some, if not most, of the roadblocks you will encounter.
3. Take care of your data and your team. And the data and your team will show you where to improve.
4. Real-world situations will sometimes make some of your action items not feasible. While it is easy to make solutions on the fly, go back to the information you have and start regrouping from there.
5. Share the tools and tricks that made an impact! They might have other applications somewhere in your company.
Q. Is there anything else that you'd like to share about your experience?
A. I'm active in the Facebook group. Do contact me if you have questions regarding your projects. :)
To be certified in Lean Six Sigma, one has to complete an actual Lean Six Sigma project and apply process improvement tools, methodology, and techniques learned in class. "That's one reason why companies give high value to Certified Lean Six Sigma individuals. One does not just attend a program and receive his certification but has to successfully apply and show proper use of tools and methodology with actual work processes. One has to earn his Lean Six Sigma certification," Tuozo said. "If you attend our Lean Six Sigma programs, unlike other training providers, you get continuous support after the program, for no additional cost. You'll be assigned a Black Belt to help you complete your project," Tuozo added.
"If you attend our Six Sigma programs, unlike other training providers, you get continuous support after the program, for no additional cost. You'll be assigned a Black Belt to help you complete your project," –Rex Tuozo, “The Six Sigma Guy"
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Visit 6sigmaph.com/blackbelt for more information.
