6-2 Case Study Three: The DMAIC Process
DMAIC is a six-sigma defined path for six-sigma problem solving. This path is used to
strengthen a team as they go through a problem-solving journey. This way the team can
systematically perform corrective action and continuous improvement. Using this method
correctly teams can be used to not only improve a process or product but also provide statistical
results of the project (DMAIC, 2021). This way improvements can be numbered and provide a
reasoning for more projects.
The first stage in DMAIC is Define. The purpose of this step is to not only look at the
need from their standpoint but listen to the "Voice of the customer" ("Problem-Solving Method:
The D in DMAIC", 2021). It is extremely important to define the problem, what is needed for the
customer, what would be beneficial and things that add extra value. From there you can focus on
what a current value stream map, a hopeful future state, and the scope of the project. For any
project you need to understand the scope of the project to keep the brainstorming and focus on
the project to prevent it from going out of control.
The next stage in DMAIC is Measure. The measurement step is mainly focused on the
accumulation of data in regards to your defined problem. At this point you should understand the
problem and what needs to be fixed, this is used to not only create a baseline to compare to the
future state but also dictate the problem using numerical data ("Problem-Solving Method: The M
in DMAIC", 2021). Once you obtain the data it needs to be laid out and displayed where there
are many charts for such and each have their own efficiency in displaying certain types of data.
This could be a run chart for measurements over time, a pareto chart for how often a problem
happens, a pie chart for percentages, or any other type to accurately display the data.
The third stage in DMAIC is Analyze. This step is where you look at and understand the
information that was gathered at the measurement stage and determine the root cause of the
6-2 Case Study Three: The DMAIC Process
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issue. Root cause analysis should be done at this stage, where you can use the data to determine
where the issue arises such as a potential change year over year or monthly ("Problem-Solving
Method: The A in DMAIC", 2021). Potential graphs and tables for this setup would be a fishbone
diagram (and the 5 why's), a Failure modes effect analysis table (FMEA), or using a multiple
types of data analysis to understand the issue more.
The next part of DMAIC is one a lot of people get caught up on, Implement. The team at
this point should have a strong handle on the problem, and the root causes for the issue. It is
important that the team understand the previous steps in order to coherently brainstorm for an
appropriate solution. We