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DMAIC

A structured process improvement methodology

The basic premise of DMAIC

  • six sigma and DMAIC - is about establishing a relationship

  •  between the output of the process (Y) and the factors (Xs) that may influence Y

  • the basic equation to keep in mind is : 

    • Y = F( X1, X2, X3........)

    • Meaning Y is a function (F) of X

  • When you control the Xs , you can control the Y

 

  • Example 

    • Car mileage = F ( speed, tyre pressure, gear, service ......)

    • When you control Xs , you can control Y 

dmaic
How does DMAIC work
Practical DMAIC
The DMAIC steps
Define: Define the problem

Determine and agree, what is the problem, since when is the problem, what is the impact, who will work on it & set a target for improvement 

Tools: Brainstorming, Team Charter, COPIS

Measure: Measure the Y & Xs

Confirm the best way and what all to measure.

Confirm, can you trust the data

Collect data on Y & Xs

Tools: CTQ treeFMEAProcess Maps, data collection plan, pareto chart ,run chart

Analyze:Find the cause/s of the problem

Baseline the current performance

From many Xs reach to vital few

Quantify the impact of vital few Xs

Prepare a prioritized list

Tools: Capability measure, Process/graphical analysis & hypothesis tests, cause & effect diagram 

Improve: Find the roots cause/s of the vital X and find solutions to implement

Identify root causes of prioritized Xs

Use ideation techniques & tools

Select solutions basis control and impact

Implement with tracking and risk management

Tools: Process observation, 5 whysbrainstormingPoke YokeControl impact matriximplementation plan

Control: Monitor & Validate improvement

Baseline the current performance

From many Xs reach to vital few

Quantify the impact of vital few Xs

Prepare a prioritized list

Tools: Capability measure, hypothesis tests, control charts, FMEA, run charts 

Note : see tools & techniques section for more details on these tools and many more
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