Lean: Six Sigma DMAIC Process

"The Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) Process"¹

Six Sigma – DEFINE process includes:

• Define the project: purpose, scope, and resources in the charter
• Develop the SIPOC (Suppliers-Inputs-Process-Outputs-Customers) map to understand the process
• Determine project goals the fit customer needs (Voice of the Customer)

Six Sigma – MEASURE process includes:

• Collect baseline data on suspected problem
• Plot the data in time order
• Use Pareto charts to pinpoint occurrence
• Calculate process sigma
• Create detailed process maps to analyze waste and bottlenecks

Six Sigma – ANALYZE process includes:

• Focus on the problems identified in the "Measure" process
• Brainstorm as many potential causes as possible
• Select a few of the most likely causes and collect data on them
• Use statistical methods to quantify the effects

Six Sigma – IMPROVE process includes:

• Brainstorm many ideas for improvement
• Select solutions: select criteria to assess alternative solutions, then evaluate alternatives through testing
• Develop plans, including tasks, timelines, budget, resources, and stakeholders
• Plot the selected solutions using PDCA cycles
• Implement plans, including the means by which you will check results
• Interpret the charts to quantify effects of solutions
• Evaluate overall results against the methods used to achieve them

Six Sigma – CONTROL process includes:

• Document the new methods in order to develop standard work procedures
• Provide training to those who will use new methods
• Monitor implementation and make course corrections
• Create a process to update and improve the method
• Summarize and communicate key lessons learned to others
• Recommend next project to further increase sigma level

¹Condensed from Six Sigma Black Belt Training developed by Oriel Inc.