Interface congratulates four new certified Six Sigma Greenbelts
In the world of technology and manufacturing, quality and efficiency are key factors for long-term success. Interface is committed to maintaining the highest standards in our work and products through training, leadership development and certification initiatives. One of the programs we use to drive continuous improvement and efficiencies is the certification of team members as Lean Six Sigma Greenbelts.
The IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt™ (ICGB™) is a professional familiar with the advanced core elements of the Lean Six Sigma methodology. You lead improvement projects and work as team members with like-minded people on complex improvement projects. These individuals have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the Lean Six Sigma methodology, including competency in the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) phases.
We are pleased to announce four newly certified Interface Greenbelts: Ashlesa Mohapatra, Tim Matteson, Jesse Deffenbaugh and Justin Smith.
Training at Interface is conducted by our Director of Quality, Rocky Lee, who was recently featured in our Faces of Interface series. Rocky is also a certified Greenbelt who is on track to achieve Blackbelt certification, an honor he should achieve later this year.
“Greenbelt training is the perfect vehicle to provide the necessary data collection and analysis skills required to conduct meaningful studies. “It also provides standardized know-how for future studies.” Rocky Lee, Director of Quality, Interface
We interviewed the four new Greenbelts about their experiences with this valuable new certification. Here are their answers:
“I was interested in participating in the certification program because I knew it would give me the tools necessary to solve production problems in an organized and effective manner. My Greenbelt certification has helped me improve processes by eliminating errors, streamlining production and eliminating waste of time, money and resources. As for the process, it was easy and engaging. At the end of each module there were quizzes, a final exam and a project. Rocky Lee did a fantastic job of simplifying the concepts by giving us practical examples of problems we face every day at Interface.” Ashlesa Mohapatra, Production Engineer, Interface
“I was interested in obtaining this certification to improve myself by learning new data analysis skills and techniques to increase the efficiency of our processes and reduce the number of errors and waste in production. The techniques I learned are already helping me analyze the performance impact of changing the measurement clamps used to test low-capacity SSMs. I also learned how to better analyze historical creep data and then compare sample data to the larger trends. I think there is room for improvement when it comes to efficiency and error reduction, and I think it helps if more employees speak the same Six Sigma language and use the same methods to effectively diagnose problems and then implement the necessary changes .” Jesse Deffenbaugh, Production Engineer, Interface
“I was interested in the Six Sigma course because it expands my skills as an engineer and complements my desired career path. I think this course will help solve problems related to Quality, to capture the level of quality expected by our internal and external customers and the costs associated with not meeting these expectations. Rocky was an excellent teacher. I think that the fact that we have people at Interface with this multidisciplinary training will help maintain the overall quality of the products as well as the process of making those quality products.” Justin Smith, Engineer, Interface
“I took part in this program to further my education and provide greater value to the company. Certification in Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt Training will benefit the company and myself as I can immediately apply this certification in my daily work. Overall, I believe this process will help analyze data, build a lean culture, and increase effectiveness and efficiency.” Tim Matteson, Mini OEM Product Quality and Improvement Engineer, Interface
Rocky shared his insights on the importance of Greenbelt training and how it impacts our work at Interface.
Why is this certification so important for Interface?
Initially, we had strong interest from our team members. The actual initiative began with inquiries to Mark Weathers, VP of Advanced Manufacturing and OEM Products, about the possibility of conducting Six Sigma Greenbelt training and certification at Interface. Mark asked Rocky to lead this effort. There was so much interest that Rocky and Mark thought it would be a good idea to start right away. The decision to advance training coincided with several studies initiated by our engineers.
What does it mean to have a Six Sigma Greenbelt training certification in your profession?
The DMAIC process provides the framework for troubleshooting. The technical knowledge lies in the measurement and analysis phases of the Six Sigma methodology. Much of the training time in these areas is spent preparing for certification. The impact of this can be seen when a person leads projects and is involved in solving challenges. The framework is valuable for those who apply this technique in their work.
How does this initiative and certification help Interface improve its quality and reduce quality costs?
Certified Greenbelts approach problems using proven problem-solving tools. This involves the use of studies and analysis that, when conducted by certified leaders, provide a systematic way to achieve results that have more meaning. This important training leads to actions to identify quantifiable measures to focus on qualitative improvements and outcomes.
How were the participants selected?
After the first participants expressed interest, Rocky asked other engineers from the quality and technology departments. Ten people registered and were divided into two groups. This was intended to make teaching more interactive during weekly training and review sessions. The participants in the first group were already working on high-profile projects, so they would immediately benefit from the course.
How long does it take to complete the certification?
The course consists of 34 sections and we were able to complete the course in under eight weeks.
What is Interface's plan for additional Six Sigma certifications?
We plan to offer another Greenbelt course this year. In addition, employees will have less intensive training courses available to improve their skills in basic problem solving, analysis and statistics. We also plan to add another Blackbelt certified trainer next year in addition to Rocky Lee. This will enable Interface to provide ongoing, company-wide foundational training that explains the concepts and benefits of Six Sigma. The standard knowledge gained from Six Sigma will help everyone work smarter, not just harder.
Interface is committed to superior quality. From our products to our manufacturing and planning processes, everything we do is done with the utmost care and respect to ensure we can exceed our customers' expectations. Six Sigma training and Greenbelt certifications are important investments in our team members and our customers. We are proud and honored that Rocky has taken the lead on this important initiative.
We thank our newly certified team members for sharing their experiences and the value of this certification program with us. Congratulations to our new Interface Greenbelts!