Question

The DMAIC (duh-may-ic) problem-solving model is used quite extensively in industrial and business settings. Define and discuss the DMAIC methodology and its uses; be sure to include the limitations of this methodology and what alternatives are available

Answer 1

DMAIC:

Definition:

The DMAIC Process is a problem solving tool that can be used to improve, optimize and stabilize business processes. This cyclical problem solving model seeks to improve the processes within an organization. DMAIC is an acronym that stands for: Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control. The base of this problem solving tool is founded by Shingeo Shingo during the development of Poka Yoke.

The phases of DMAIC

The phases or stages of DMAIC include:

Define – The project begins by creating a team charter to identify team members, select the process the team will be improving and clearly define the objective of the project. The project team will then identify the CTQs to help measure the impact the problem has on the customer. This phase is completed when the team creates a process map that includes the process’s inputs and outputs.

Measure – This phase includes creating and executing a data collection plan that provides reliable and significant data. The data indicates how the process is performing and helps identify the villain in the Six Sigma narrative – variance. After this point, the project team’s efforts focus on eliminating or reducing variance as much as possible.

Analyze – Once process performance has been quantified, the analyze phase helps identify possible causes of the problems. A sub-process map can help identify the problems in the process and tools such as ANOVA and regression analysis can help narrow these problems to root causes. In this phase, the team is able to quantify the financial benefit of solving the problem.

Improve – Once the problem’s root cause is brought to light, the improve phase focuses on finding a permanent solution to the problem. This is where the project team’s creativity comes into play in finding an answer to a longstanding process problem. The team then tests a proposed solution in a pilot program to test if the solution is effective and financially viable.

Control – In this phase, the project team documents the new solution that they have created so that it can be passed on to process owners. The project team then implements the solution according to the timeline and key milestones they have developed. Once the solution has been implemented, the project team monitors it for several months and if it meets performance expectations turns it over to the process owner.

DMAIC is a systematic, objective and fact-based system of problem solving. The steps in the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology make process improvement accessible and learnable even for those who are just becoming acquainted with it.

USES of DMAIC:

The DMAIC Process is based on framework thinking within for example a product group, customer group or service. The strengths of this problem solving approach lie in the addressing and optimizing of the root causes in a process. For a creative change in which an organization changes course completely, however, the model is less applicable. When going through the steps of the DMAIC Process, there may not be any overlaps. The best results are achieved with a plan-led team approach.