For example:

• If an organization advertises for a Six Sigma Black Belt, how can they be sure of the level of ability of a “Black Belt”? or,

• If a supplier says it is deploying Six Sigma or perhaps Lean, how can a customer be sure of their real abilities?

 

A fundamental purpose of this International Standard is to assist in answering such questions.

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Overview

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In the past 3 decades there  has been much debate about the nature of Six Sigma and Lean, their commonality and their differences. Some protagonists have argued over the content, overlap, application, supremacy and purpose of the two approaches.

 

Various combinations of the two approaches exist, many under the umbrella title of “Lean Six Sigma”.

• Six Sigma and Lean have a commonality of field of application, i.e. process improvement.

• Lean focuses on reducing 'chronic' waste

• Six Sigma focuses on reducing the total variation in process output, and thereby its adverse effects.

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Ad hoc deployment of tools and techniques are common, but business transformations appear extremely rare.

​​ISO 18404 is an international standard that defines the competencies for the attainment of specific levels of competency with regards to Six Sigma, Lean, and "Lean & Six Sigma" in individuals, e.g. Black Belt, Green Belt and Lean practitioners and their organizations

• The scope of the standard includes the roles of Six Sigma Green Belts, Six Sigma Black Belts and Lean Practitioners.

 

The standard comprises 6 clauses and 3 Annexes:

• Clauses 0 - 3 are not mandatory

• Clauses 4 - 6 are mandatory.

 

Main Clauses

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4. Competency of key personnel in relation to Six Sigma, Lean, and “Lean & Six Sigma”

5. Adequacy of an organization with regards to its Six Sigma, Lean or “Lean & Six Sigma” approach and deployment

6. Resource management

Annexes

• A (normative): Six Sigma

• B (normative): Lean

• C (normative): Lean & Six Sigma.

 

The following topics are excluded from ISO 18404:

• Yellow Belt
• Design for Six Sigma (DFSS)

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ISO 18404 provides a dual approach towards lean management:

• Creating a structured programme of training and development; and

• Formal framework to evaluate a company’s systems and processes for increased efficiency.

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This International Standard:

• Sets out the required competencies for individual certification and/or an organization's certificate.

• Is generic and remains independent of any individual industrial or economic sector. It is applicable to any sector of activity and any size business seeking to gain a competitive advantage.

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This International Standard therefore sets out:

• Separate competency requirements for Six Sigma and Lean implementation

• A combined competency framework for “Lean & Six Sigma”.

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In so doing, it focuses on the competencies (skills and abilities) to deliver benefits to an organization rather than defining the specific educational level required for each role.

• Candidates are expected to demonstrate that they have an adequate level of competence, an amalgamation of education, training, skills and experience necessary to fulfil their roles.

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In its preparation, it has been seen to be helpful to prepare this International Standard by focusing on:

• Six Sigma, Lean implementation and “Lean & Six Sigma” separately

• Users of this standard will come across different tables dealing with these subjects.

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ISO 18404 Certification

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ISO 18404 certification is available to:

• Individual Practitioners wishing to demonstrate that they meet the competence requirements to undertake Six Sigma and Lean improvement projects

• Organisations that have implemented the management system elements of ISO 18404:2015

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Because the standard focuses on competencies (i.e. skills and abilities) rather than simply defining specific educational levels, individuals will have to demonstrate the right level of skills and experience, as well as training, to fulfil their role when seeking certification.

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Cornish building contractor  and property developer Gilbert & Goode became the first company in the world to achieve the international certification ISO 18404 for Lean and Six Sigma in January 2019.

• The certification followed 18 months of work, where the company was developing procedures and competencies within the organisation, providing staff development and also training for members of the supply chain.

• The certified company achieved this through active planning, outstanding senior management leadership and perseverance.

 

References

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The following two parts of the ISO 13053 standard are normatively referenced in ISO 18404 and are considered as indispensable for its application.

• 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

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Our Training Courses

 

FabAcademy provides training in the ISO 18404 standard at two levels of knowledge and competency:

• Lead Implementer in Six Sigma and Lean

• Lean Practitioner.

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For specific course details, please follow one of the above links.

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Prerequisites

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The following are general prerequisites for attending our training courses:

• Proficiency in the English language

• Consideration for other course participants

• Willingness to actively participate during the training sessions, and an open mind to learn.

 

Training Delivery Options

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Although, primarily, we deliver training to corporate clients, we also train small-size (min. 3 delegates) groups of individual learners, who are interested in updating, or upgrading their knowledge and skills, and advancing in their careers. This training is delivered online (virtual classroom) and is instructor-led.

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We do deliver on-site, close group training, as well as online instructor-led training, for corporate/ business clients (B2B).

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Book now to reserve, as applicable, an on-site or online instructor-led training event of your choice.

 

For more details about our:

• List of training courses please click here.

• Consulting services please click here

• Workshops please click here.

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For queries, including non-obligation quotes, please contact us.

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