DMAIC Stages and Deliverables

Define Measure Analyze Improve Control

Minimum Define Stage Deliverables

• Clear problem statement/ tangible goal

• Financial / customer benefits agreed upon

• Initial team defined, Project Charter complete

Critical Success Factors

• Management agrees this is a high-payback project and goals are achievable

• Highly focused problem statement and goal

• Project charter sets clear expectations (in/out of scope, project timing, risks, etc.)

Define Measure Analyze Improve Control

Minimum Measure Stage Deliverables

• Process flowchart (ideally a value stream map)

• Measurement system validation

• Baseline performance (process capability)

Critical Success Factors

• Accurate baseline data available (if not, measure report-out may be delayed)

• Gage R&R study completed (applies mostly to product measurements)

• Product & process subject matter experts are supporting the team

DMAIC Stages and Deliverables

Define Measure Analyze Improve Control

Minimum Analyze Stage Deliverables

• Major causes understood

• Bullet #1 supported with data

Critical Success Factors

• Top causes must be proven, cannot rely on Fishbone Diagram (speculation) alone

DMAIC Stages and Deliverables

Define Measure Analyze Improve Control

Minimum Improve Stage Deliverables

• Team has controlled or eliminated top causes sufficiently to achieve project goal

• Proof of bullet #1 is indisputable, and the team has the capability of turning the problem “on” and “off” based on their control of the input variables

Critical Success Factors

• See bullet #2 above

DMAIC Stages and Deliverables

Define Measure Analyze Improve Control

Minimum Improve Stage Deliverables

• Team has implemented appropriate controls in the organization to control the causes for the long run

• Permanent product/process design changes are implemented wherever possible to negate the need for a control plan

Critical Success Factors

• If a control plan is needed, the business has a strong internal audit function to ensure long-term compliance

DMAIC Stages and Deliverables

CONTROL PLAN