Two academic centers at Rochester Institute of Technology have joined forces to create a unique training program that assists firms in reducing waste, enhancing efficiency and improving quality.

The Center for Excellence in Lean Enterprise and the John D. Hromi Center for Quality and Applied Statistics have entered into a partnership to create a comprehensive curriculum in lean Six Sigma.

Six Sigma is a business improvement process that focuses on enhancing quality and decreasing process variations within an organization. Lean manufacturing is focused on eliminating waste in all aspects of a business. Lean Six Sigma certification includes intensive practical coursework as well as the requirement to demonstrate the use of lean Six Sigma tools in a successful company project. Both a 12-day green-belt curriculum and a more intensive 24-day black-belt program are available.

“Both RIT centers have considerable experience implementing lean Six Sigma systems in a wide variety of industries with green belts and black belts acting as internal resources for long term business success,” says Vinnie Buonnomo, senior program manager at the Center for Excellence in Lean Enterprise. “Participants have found the training modules user friendly and easy to follow while also benefiting from the program’s knowledgeable and receptive professional instructors.”

“It’s amazing how you can apply the knowledge and skills gained in the program to the home or job,” adds Marie Puckett, a spring 2006 green-belt attendee. “The lean Six Sigma tools allow you to make decisions based on facts versus what you think may need to be addressed. It also improves morale and team work when a group makes a decision versus management alone.”

“This is a truly integrated program that is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to be successful at completing improvement projects with value exceeding the training costs,” explains Donald Baker, executive director of the John D. Hromi Center for Quality and Applied Statistics. “We also work closely with the organization’s leadership to ensure that the lean Six Sigma culture is sustained.”

The program has worked with both small and large companies throughout upstate New York. An early recipient of the collaboration was Advent Tool and Mold, a Rochester manufacturer. Advent participated in two lean Six Sigma training projects through a grant from New York State, receiving green and black belt certifications in the process. They estimate that the implementation of lean Six Sigma systems has saved the company $100,000 annually.

“The training we received has had a significant impact on both our bottom line and product quality,” says Jim Murphy, Advent vice president. “I would definitely recommend the program to anyone looking to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.”

A new set of training programs is now being offered by the centers and state funding is available for qualified companies interested in participating. For more information about dates, funding and program descriptions please contact Grant Osman at (585) 475-6235 or visit http://www.training.rit.edu/programs.aspx.