How do you integrate DMAIC with other lean six sigma methods and frameworks?

1 Define phase

The first phase of DMAIC is to define the problem, the goal, the scope, and the team of your project. This is where you clarify the voice of the customer (VOC), the voice of the business (VOB), and the voice of the process (VOP), and how they relate to each other. You also need to establish a clear and measurable project charter, which outlines the purpose, scope, timeline, resources, roles, and expected benefits of your project. To help you with this phase, you can use tools such as SIPOC diagrams, stakeholder analysis, Kano model, CTQ tree, SMART goals, and RACI matrix.

2 Measure phase

The second phase of DMAIC is to measure the current performance of your process, and identify the key metrics and data sources that will enable you to track your progress and evaluate your results. This is where you collect baseline data, verify its accuracy and reliability, and establish the current state of your process. You also need to calculate the process capability and sigma level, which indicate how well your process meets the customer requirements and specifications. To help you with this phase, you can use tools such as data collection plan, operational definitions, sampling methods, measurement system analysis (MSA), process mapping, value stream mapping, run charts, histograms, Pareto charts, and control charts.

3 Analyze phase

The third phase of DMAIC is to analyze the data and the process, and identify the root causes of the problem and the sources of variation and waste. This is where you use various statistical and analytical techniques to test hypotheses, validate assumptions, and discover patterns and relationships in the data. You also need to prioritize the most critical factors that affect your process performance, and generate potential solutions. To help you with this phase, you can use tools such as fishbone diagram, 5 whys, brainstorming, affinity diagram, interrelationship diagram, matrix diagram, scatter plot, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, ANOVA, FMEA, and DOE.

4 Improve phase

The fourth phase of DMAIC is to improve the process by implementing the best solutions that address the root causes and eliminate or reduce the variation and waste. This is where you use various lean and six sigma methods to optimize the process flow, eliminate non-value-added activities, reduce cycle time and defects, increase capacity and throughput, and enhance customer satisfaction. You also need to test and validate the solutions, and evaluate their impact on the process performance and the project goal. To help you with this phase, you can use tools such as kaizen, 5S, standard work, poka-yoke, kanban, SMED, TPM, visual management, A/B testing, pilot testing, and solution selection matrix.

5 Control phase

The fifth and final phase of DMAIC is to control the process by ensuring that the improvements are sustained and standardized, and that the process is monitored and continuously improved. This is where you use various tools and techniques to document the new process, train the staff, update the policies and procedures, audit the results, and implement control plans and feedback mechanisms. You also need to communicate and celebrate the achievements, and identify the lessons learned and best practices for future projects. To help you with this phase, you can use tools such as SOPs, work instructions, checklists, audits, control charts, dashboards, SPC, PDCA, and A3 reports.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?