DMAIC 6 Sigma ? the core of the process

Posted by AmandaTom on October 26th, 2013

The whole six sigma process is run through defined phases through which processes are optimized, improved and stabilized. This data driven cycle of phases is called DMAIC 6 Sigma. Define, Measure, Improve, Analyze and Control are the phases that contain everything about 6 Sigma. Any organization that runs a 6 Sigma process goes through this cycle. To know more about DMAIC check this URL.

Define

Define is the first phase of DMAIC 6 Sigma. In this phase the existing condition of the process is analyzed. Generally any business issues are identified at this stage and the whole project is formulated here. The scope of the project and its timelines are identified here. A project charter document is created where all the information is captured.

Measure

In this phase the baselines are identified and the basis for improvement is defined. Here a lot of data is collected about the current process and the data is used for measurement. What makes this process all the more robust that even the measurement systems is assessed so that the measurement is precise and accurate. To know more about this phase of DMAIC 6 Sigma check this URL.

Analyze

This is a critical phase of the project where potential problems are listed down and the root cause analysis is done. Various statistical tests are run in this phase and they may include Pareto, line plots and histograms. One also identifies how the data inputs are going to affect the process outputs. A detailed roadmap is created in this phase to ensure areas of root cause are identified and the exact problem statement is pinpointed.

Improve

The idea here is to eliminate the root cause of the problem by creating innovative solutions. It may be found that the root cause can be eliminated using simple and easy solution although the case may not be such in many areas. The solutions are tried and tested using the PDCA (Plan-Do-Act-Check) cycle. This phase ends with the creation of a detailed plan for implementation and the deployment of improvements.

Control

Once the process improves it’s important to keep it going at the improved level. This is what the objective of the control phase of DMAIC 6 Sigma is all about. A control plan is put in place, trainings are conducted and people are enabled so that they are able to identify potential skews that may affect the improved process. A control chart is usually used in this phase to keep a tab on the process. The control phase is an ongoing process that keep the process stabilized.

The actual phases are, of course, much larger than what you have read so far. It’s important that you have complete knowledge about the entire cycle and that is when you will be able to become a professional six sigma specialist. And while you gain knowledge about DMAIC 6 Sigma you also need real life practices. Check this URL to know how you can get real life experiences and also become a certified six sigma specialist.

If you want to know all about DMAIC 6 Sigma just go ahead and check this URL.