Six Sigma DMAIC Tools

The existence of this entire subject has basically evolved from the most famous company called Motorola in USA in the year 1986. Six Sigma is one of the most commonly used business management strategies and its basic aim is to improve the process quality in business by removing and keying all the defects the business is undergoing. Also, it aims at the minimal variability of the end product and the business process. Moreover, it follows two methodologies which are composed of 5 phases each of which happen to acquit these forms: DMAIC and DMADV. The method of DMAIC is used to improve an existing business process and the method of DMADV is used to create a new business process or design. Speaking for DMAIC process in this write-up, the Six Sigma tools are specific quality management tools used for the same purpose. You will learn about the same further ahead into this Buzzle article.

What is DMAIC Model

Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control, are the five basic steps that constitute the definition of DMAIC. As discussed in brief, DMAIC methodology is used to improve an existing and established business process and its products. Specifically, a metric measurement which is used to measure errors and defects. Each of this Six Sigma DMAIC model has an in-depth terminology entailing it and have an equally important role to play in achieving one specific goal; to improve the company's overall business process and consumer demands. However, for accomplishing all of these business strategies it is good to have some tools and hints to fulfill it better.

Introduction to the DMAIC Tools

While this Six Sigma DMAIC methodology is considered as a road map to resolve a company's problems and defects and improve it to the fullest, however, it is rational to have some iterative approach towards reaching this goal. Black Belts and Green Belts are the brand new tools and techniques that is currently implemented in the market for effective results in business. Although the entire DMAIC model is all interrelated, at some point of time it can happen, suppose the stage of Analyze didn't help the company to gather enough data which eventually didn't solve the root of the problem, therein, the iterative method comes quite handy. You can anytime go back to the Measure phase and collect all the relevant data for a correct comparison and result. So, these tools and techniques literally help in critical correctness in each phase and bring out effective resolute outcomes.

List of DMAIC Tools

DMAIC Phase Steps	Tools Used
D- Define Phase: Defines the Business Goals and Customer Demands
Define Requirements and Customers (CTQs)	Project Charter
Develop Problem Goals, Statement & Benefits	Process Flowchart
Define Resources	Stakeholder Analysis
Identify Process Owner, Team & Champion	SIPOC Diagram
Evaluate Key Organizational Support	DMAIC Work Breakdown Structure
Develop High Level Process Map	Voice of the Customer Gathering
Develop Project Plan and Milestones	CTQs Definitions

DMAIC Phase Steps	Tools Used
M- Measure Phase: Measures the Business Process for Better Performance
Define Defect, Unit, Metrics & Opportunity	Process Flowchart
Detailed Process Map of Appropriate Areas	Data Collection Example/Plan
Develop Data Collection Plan	Benchmarking
Validate the Measurement System	Measurement System Analysis & Gage R&R
Collect the Data	Voice of the Customer Gathering
Determine Process Capability and Sigma Baseline	Process Sigma Calculation
Begin Developing Y=f(x) Relationship	-

DMAIC Phase Steps	Tools Used
A- Analyze Phase: Analyzes and Learns the Root Cause of the Problem
Define Performance Objectives	Histogram
Identify Sources of Variation	Pareto Chart
Identify Value/Non-Value Added Process Steps	Scatter Plot
Determine Root Cause(s)	Time Series/Run Chart
Determine Vital Few x's, Y=f(x) Relationship	Regression Analysis

DMAIC Phase Steps	Tools Used
I- Improve Phase: Improves the Process by Eliminating the Defects
Perform Design of Experiments	Brainstorming
Develop Potential Solutions	Mistake Proofing
Assess Failure Modes of Potential Solutions	Pugh Matrix
Define Operating Tolerances of Potential System	Design of Experiments
Validate Potential Improvement by Pilot Studies	House of Quality
Correct/Re-Evaluate Potential Solution	FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis)

DMAIC Phase Steps	Tools Used
C- Control Phase: Controls Future Process for Excellent Performance
Define and Validate Monitoring & Control System	Process Sigma Calculation
Develop Standards and Procedures	Control Charts (Attribute and Variable)
Implement Statistical Process Control	Cost Savings and Calculations
Develop Transfer Plan, Handoff to Process Owner	Control Plan

These tools have proven effective in a number of ways in the field of business for years now.