Use these Six Sigma DMAIC tools for more effective problem solving in several business processes. This write-up lists down the various tools and terminologies to help you learn more about this methodology.
Six sigma was developed by Motorola in the year 1986, and popularized by Jack Welch, former chairman and CEO of General Electric (GE). It is one of the most commonly used process improvement strategies and aims to improve business performance by eliminating defects in its processes. Also, it aims at minimal variability in the end product and the manufacturing process. Moreover, it follows two methodologies inspired by Deming’s Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle: DMAIC and DMADV. The former is used to improve an existing business process, whereas the latter is used to create a new business process or design.
Concept
Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control, are the five basic steps that constitute the DMAIC methodology. As discussed in brief, it is used to improve an existing and established business process and its products in an incremental manner. Specifically, it identifies errors and its causes and puts in place a mechanism to eliminate them. Within the individual phases of a DMAIC project, Six Sigma utilizes many established quality management tools, both statistical and heuristical.
Introduction to the Tools Used
While this is considered as a road map to resolve a company’s pain areas and improve it to the fullest, it is rational to have some iterative approach towards reaching this goal. Although the entire model is interrelated, at some point of time it can happen that a plan didn’t yield the desired results. For example, in the analyze phase it was found that enough data was not available, therein the iterative method becomes quite handy. You can anytime go back to the measure phase and re-look at the data collection plan and amend it. So, these tools and techniques help in the correctness of each phase and bring about effective outcomes.
List of Tools
| Phase Steps | Tools Used |
| D- Define Phase: Defines the Business Goals and Customer Needs | |
|
Project Charter |
|
Process Flowchart |
|
Stakeholder Analysis |
|
SIPOC Diagram |
|
DMAIC Work Breakdown Structure |
|
Voice of the Customer Gathering |
|
CTQs Definitions |
| M- Measure Phase: Measures the Business Process for Better Performance | |
|
Process Flowchart |
|
Data Collection Example/Plan |
|
Benchmarking |
|
Measurement System Analysis & Gage R&R |
|
Voice of the Customer Gathering |
|
Process Sigma Calculation |
|
– |
| A- Analyze Phase: Analyzes and Learns the Root Cause of the Problem | |
|
Histogram |
|
Pareto Chart |
|
Scatter Plot |
|
Time Series/Run Chart |
|
Regression Analysis |
| I- Improve Phase: Improves the Process by Eliminating the Defects | |
|
Brainstorming |
|
Mistake Proofing |
|
Pugh Matrix |
|
Design of Experiments |
|
House of Quality |
|
FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) |
| C- Control Phase: Controls Future Process for Excellent Performance | |
|
Process Sigma Calculation |
|
Control Charts (Attribute and Variable) |
|
Cost Savings and Calculations |
|
Control Plan |
These tools have proven effective in a number of ways in the field of business for years now.