Six Sigma - DMAIC Explained.

Six Sigma is a Performance goal, representing a quality level that meets standards for 3.4 defects per million opportunities.

It uses series of tools and methods used to improve existing processes (DMAIC) or design products, processes and/or services (DMADV). The principle of Six Sigma involves around improving the processes, using statistical measure indicating the number of standard deviations, to a quality level so as to meet and maintain quality standard requirement of 3.4 defects per million opportunities.

The core principle of Six Sigma revolves around discipline and fact-based approach to manage business and its surrounding process framework. In this post I'm mentioning details about DMAIC methodologies which can be used to improve existing processes in a organization.

DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. This is one of the key methodology followed in Six Sigma. I'm trying to explain briefly the key areas covered in the cycle for easier understanding.


#1 Define - This process group is used to:
      1. Define the problem statement
      2. Preparing the charter and goals
      3. Voice of the customer (Pain areas)
      4. Understanding customer expectations e.g. Kano model
      5. Define Process Maps
      6. SIPOC (Supplier Input Process Output Customer) definition



# 2 Measure - This process group is primarily used to measure data for data capturing processes:
       1. Identify key aspects of the current process
       2. Identify Critical to Quality (CTQ) tree 
       3. Stratification of data
       4. Identifying data to be captured
       5. Collect relevant data for analysis


# 3 Analyze - This process group is used to analyze data and identify any findings, trends and causes
       1. Investigate the data collected
       2. Determine what dependencies and relationship between various parameters
       3. Seek out root cause of the defect under investigation (Normal causes Vs. Special causes)
       4. Analyzing data using tools of Six Sigma i.e. Flow charts, Histogram, Pareto chart,Run chart, Scatter Plot, Control charts and Cause and Effect diagram


# 4 Improve - This is used to improve and/or optimize the current process:
       1. Data analysis using techniques such as design of experiments, mistake proofing
       2. Standard work to create a new or future state process
       3. Proof of concept (POC) to establish any changes
       4. Set up pilot runs to establish process capability
       5. Removing Delays, Decisions points and Overheads from the existing processes


# 5 Control - This process group is used to define control parameters and then monitor data based on the parameters:
       1. Define control parameters
       2. Defining and monitoring of thresholds
       3. Continuously monitor data using control charts
       4. Prevention mechanisms implementations
       5. Define contingency and/or Action plan