The DMAIC methodology of six sigma

Six Sigma is broken down into different methodologies, one method, DMAIC, is about solving a problem with an unknown solution. This method is typically used when a product or process is not meeting customer specifications or performing accurately. The Six Sigma process is defined as follows:
D - Define the project goals and customer deliverables
M - Measure the process to determine current performance
A - Analyze and determine the root cause of the defects
I - Improve the process by eliminating defects
C - Control future process performance

Define
The Six Sigma team must come together to define your business objectives and the customer of the process and their needs and requirements. Six Sigma uses CTQs (critical to quality characteristics). The CTQs impact quality and create the roadmap for you to review the process and improve it.
Measure
In this phase the team begins with proper metrics. The success of the project will be identified and determined in order to establish a measurement baseline. During this phase 3 metrics are established; input, process and output indicators. The process is then studied and a plan is defined to measure the indicators.
Analysis
Through analysis of your current processes, you can determine what causes problems and what needs improvement. You can find solutions to eliminate the gap between existing performances and the desired performances.
Improve
Many people begin this phase thinking it is the most difficult phase. In the analysis phase, you determines the causes, now you find was to improving them. You will determine what improvements are needed and what will happen if it takes too long to implement them. As you begin implementing the improvement phase, you will see some quick results while others may take a little longer
Control
In this phase, the tools are put in place to ensure that the key variables remain within the acceptable ranges over time so that process improvement gains are maintained. Lastly, the team will identify what the future steps can be for constantly improving the process.
A added tool: Synergize
This extra steps helps to ensure the gains the Team has made and shared. This steps helps to create a organization based on learning and clear communication. It shows that the Six Sigma process is about a team and not an individual. Developed by Motorola, Six Sigma is a management philosophy that "emphasizes setting extremely high objectives, collecting data, and analyzing results to a fine degree as a way to reduce defects in products and services."

The structure of Six Sigma is to get as close to perfection as possible. Therefore, companies measure how many defects are in a process and then narrow them down to achieve perfection. In order for a company to achieve Six Sigma, it cannot produce more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities, where an opportunity is defined as a chance for nonconformance.

In order to implement the DMAIC method, you must have several roles laid out for success.

1. Executive leadership. This includes top management such as CEOs.


2. Champions. They are responsible for implementation.


3. Master Black Belts. They devote 100% of their time to the method.


4. Experts. In charge of business decisions and incorporate lessons throughout the company.


5. Black Belts. They work under the Master Black Belts and also devote 100% of their time to DMAIC.


6. Green Belts. Operate under black belts and are key in achieving results.


7. Yellow Belts. They have been trained but are not involved in the implementation.

Six Sigma and the DMAIC method go hand in hand in improving the way your business runs. Taking the time to apply the method has proven to be effective in many ways for various companies. Thinking from the mind of the customer not only returns happy, consistent customers, but financial results that will make all end up happy.

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