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DMAIC

Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control. Incremental process improvement using Six Sigma methodology.

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DMAIC can bee seen as a data-driven improvement strategy and for sure is part, or will be a part, of your organizations SIX SIGMA quality initiative. DMAIC is an acronym for: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

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DMAIC is a cyclical process such as the PDCA is. The reason to go for the DMAIC is to strive for the best result possible with a structured approach.

These process steps are:

DEFINE: the customers and their CTQ (Critical to Quality) and the core process involved.

  • Who are your customers?

    • What are their requirements for products or services?

    • What are their expectations?

  • Go for a value stream and map the process flow through the complete business process

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MEASURE:

  • Define a plan on how to collect data from your core process

  • Go for different sources of data in order to be as specific as possible on defects and metrics

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ANALYZE:

  • While analyzing the data along the process map make sure to identify the real root cause of defects and

  • point out opportunities for improvement

  • Compare shortfalls with the results of customer surveys

  • Determine gaps between targeted performance and current performance

  • Prioritize potential improvement measures

  • Identify variation and their source

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IMPROVE:

  • Gemba Walks

  • Improvement Kata

  • Kaizen Workshops

  • Target is to improve the current process in a simple and effective way

  • Develop a prioritized action plan

  • Do it!

If you want a structured approach, just read our PDCA article.

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CONTROL:

  • Stay tuned on your process improvement measures

  • Make sure that they stay on track

  • Prevent falling back to the “old way”

In the end, when you are in charge, require the full documentation. Make sure that everything implemented is well documented and a clear monitoring is installed that deviation can be fast identified.

Having or installing a sustainable problem solving culture in your organization will be key for the future. Make sure to institutionalize problem solving or a kaizen culture through training, training and more training.