"The Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (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
The Cause and Effect Diagram (a.k.a. Fishbone)
By Kerri Simon
When utilizing a team approach to problem solving,
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
The Cause and Effect Diagram (a.k.a. Fishbone)
By Kerri Simon
When utilizing a team approach to problem solving,