DMAIC is a five-step method for improving existing process problems with unknown causes.
Phase 1: Define
Clarify the problem and process. The Define Phase is the first phase of the Lean Six Sigma improvement process. In this phase, the project team creates a Project Charter and begins to understand the needs of the customers of the process. This is a critical phase in which the team outlines the project focus for themselves and the leadership of the organization.
Tools: Project Charter, Voice of the Customer, SIPOC
Phase 2: Measure
Quantify the problem and map the process. How does the process currently perform? Or in other words, what is the magnitude of the problem? Measurement is critical throughout the life of the project. As the team starts collecting data they focus on both the process as well as measuring what customers care about. That means initially there are two focuses: reducing lead time or improving quality. In the Measure Phase, the team refines the measurement definitions and determines the current performance or the baseline of the process.
Tools: As-Is Map, Process Walk, 8 Wastes, Data Collection,Data Entry, Baseline
Phase 3: Analyze
Determine the root causes. What is causing the problem? The Analyze Phase is often not given enough attention and, without analysis, teams jump to solutions before knowing the true root causes of the issues. The result is teams who implement solutions but donât resolve the problem! These efforts waste time, consume resources, create more variation and, often cause new problems. The ideal is for teams to brainstorm potential root causes (not solutions), develop hypotheses as to why problems exist and then work to prove or disprove their hypotheses.
Tools: Clues, Fishbone Diagram, 5 Whys, Confirm
Phase 4: Improve
Confirm the solutions work. How will the team mitigate the root causes of the problem? Once the project teams have determined the root causes itâs time to develop solutions. The Improve Phase is where the team brainstorms solutions, pilots process changes, and implements solutions. Verification includes both process analysis and data analysis and has to be completed before implementing solutions. A structured improvement effort can lead to innovative and elegant solutions that improve the baseline measure and, ultimately, the customer experience.
Tools: 5S, Solutions, Implement, To-Be Map, Verification
Phase 5: Control
Ensure the gains are sustained. How do you sustain the improvement? Now that the process problem is fixed and improvements are in place, the team must ensure that the process maintains the gains. In the Control Phase the team is focused on creating a Monitoring Plan to continue measuring the success of the updated process and developing a Response Plan in case there is a dip in performance. Once in place, the team hands these plans off to the Process Owner for ongoing maintenance.
Tools: Visual Management, Monitoring & Response,Transfer Opportunities, Project Handoff, Project Summary
Learn more about DMAIC in our Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training & Certification and Green Belt Training & Certification!
