Posts tagged dmaic

What is Six Sigma? Six Sigma is a rigorous process that focuses on developing and delivering near-perfect products and services under near-perfect conditions. It is named after a statistical term …

Every step in the Six Sigma methodology pursues a solution that improves the organization’s processes and the quality of its product or service. In some projects, the DMAIC methodology will …

The first step of the Define phase of Six Sigma’s DMAIC methodology involves defining a project by creating a project charter. The project charter is a written document that captures …

First, the team defines a problem in the define phase – the project charter, customer needs and requirements, and they developed a process map. The next phase is the measurement phase where the team develops a data collection plan and establishes a baseline sigma. Following the measurement phase is the analyze phase where the team performs data analysis, process analysis, and root-cause analysis. Next is the improvement phase where the team generates a host of possible solutions. They select a solution and then ultimately implement the solution. Finally, in order to maintain the solution, the team develops a control plan and a response plan as a part of the control phase of DMAIC.

The mapping process starts with identifying the customers’ needs and requirements. The team then determines the outputs of the process that have an effect on those requirements. The team lists 5 to 7 high-level steps of the process. They begin to identify the inputs to the process and the suppliers who provide for those inputs. SIPOC is an effective way of seeing the whole value-add process on one graphic. It shows the relationships between inputs and outputs.

The two most widely used Six Sigma methodologies are DMAIC and DMADV. Both methods are designed so a business process will be more efficient and effective. While both of these methodologies share some important characteristics, they are not interchangeable and were developed for use in differing business processes. Before comparing these two approaches in more detail, let’s review what the acronyms stand for.

One of the best ways to systematically improve your business processes is to use the DMAIC (Deh-May-Ick) framework. DMAIC is a highly effective, data-driven, five-step approach to business that is one of the many useful components of the Six Sigma toolkit. The main goal of DMAIC is to eliminate expensive variation from business and manufacturing processes.