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ANSWERS TO YOUR TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
Automation vs. machinization
Q: What is the difference between automation and machinization?
A: Both machinization and automation refer to the use of machines to replace humans. Specifically, machinization refers to the duplication of skilled human effort; automation is the use of machines to replace repetitive human efforts.
If a computer is used to replace the skill that would be needed from a machinist to make a part, as we see happening through the use of CNC machines and software, it would be machinization. On the other hand, if the human effort needed to load and unload the machine were replaced by a machine or some equipment like a robot, it would be called automation. The difference is subtle: The installation of a welding robot could be called machinization, while the installation of a loading/unloading robot could be called automation.
In modern industrial vocabulary, automation has replaced machinization, and many a times automation is used even when someone is talking about machinization. Therefore, we see little use of machinization today.
Merwan Mehta, Ph.D.
The right belt
Q: What is the eligibility for earning a Six Sigma yellow belt? Does it have any educational equivalent such as an undergraduate or graduate degree or is it just a certification?
A: In commonly accepted terminology, the yellow belt is equivalent to a management overview of Six Sigma. The yellow belt is designed to introduce the topic and is typically earned following a four- to eight-hour program that presents Six Sigma highlights.
I'll use IIE training courses as a reference to illustrate the differences in Six Sigma belt levels.
HE offers a yellow belt certificate. It is not, in our opinion, equivalent to any college-level course since it is mainly informational.
The true introductory level for Six Sigma is the green belt. This is a more intensive course that provides a skill set revolving around understanding variation and learning to use basic tools to help manage variation. HE offers a green belt certificate to individuals who complete the HE course and pass the subsequent examination.
The practitioner level Six Sigma training is the black...