Lean Six Sigma consulting practices are invaluable when your business needs specialized talent or industry knowledge not currently available on your staff. With vast resources, Sigma consultants offer fresh perspective, experience, knowledge and skills to provide successful solutions for your business.

Six Sigma consultants provide important skills for businesses seeking to plan new initiatives, develop strategic planning, refresh current programming or transition staff responsibilities. Six Sigma training consultants increase productivity and efficiency by addressing essential issues, recognizing internal or external obstacles and providing specialized services to improve your organization.

Before beginning your search for Six Sigma consulting services, it is important to define your consulting needs. Clearly identify the goal of your Six Sigma consultancy service, project scope, services needed, time frame and budget. This information will help your organization select the best Six Sigma experts to meet your specific needs.

When selecting a Six Sigma consultant for your organization, research each consulting practice and evaluate the following:

1. What kind of experience does the 6 Sigma consultant offer my business?

2. What services do the 6 Sigma consulting firms provide to enhance my business?

3. How much should my business invest in 6 Sigma consulting services?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire Six Sigma consultants that specialize in your industry

Select Six Sigma training consultants who are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in your business or industry. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: Oriel, Inc., has experience in a variety of industries including technology, finance, telecommunications, health care, public administration, manufacturing and service. Breakthrough Management Group, Inc., provides Six Sigma consulting services across several industries, including health care, financial services and manufacturing. Colaborate specializes in business solutions, including Six Sigma consulting, for health care organizations.

Choose Six Sigma consulting firms with proven skills

Review the consulting work provided by each lean Six Sigma consulting firm. Evaluate the consulting firm's experience, qualifications and certifications, and request successful project examples of the specific skill sets you need.

I recommend: Technical Change Associates, LLC, offers a comprehensive Six Sigma consulting program with value-added services designed to increase productivity. J.G. Noguera & Associates provides five Six Sigma training consultants programs ranging from beginning programs to expert services. Rath & Strong provides eight Six Sigma consulting programs for a range of business types.

Select Six Sigma consultants that meet your budget

Many Six Sigma consultancy practices operate on a retainer with a minimum time commitment. Several utilize an hourly fee structure for short-term projects. Your Six Sigma consultancy cost will depend upon the scope of your services.

I recommend: Get a quote for Six Sigma consulting services at Aslinger & Associates or Six Sigma.US.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that it is written into your contract that the lean Six Sigma consultant firm will not provide services to any competing business during the course of your business relationship.
• •  It is tempting to save time by interviewing just one Six Sigma consulting firm. However, it is in your organization's best interest to contact and interview several Six Sigma experts to discuss your potential project. Two or three choices will provide you with the best possible match in skills, services, price and rapport for both you and the Six Sigma consulting services firm.