DMAIC

DMAIC (pronounced duh-may-ik) stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. It is the standard Six Sigma process improvement project framework.

DMAIC is often contrasted with DMADV, which is used for designing new processes or reengineering an existing process from scratch.

Define

Define the problem, including the scope of what is in and what is out. To do this typically requires talking with customers of the process and other interested stakeholders. This allows you to set project goals (although it is possible these may have to be revised after further measurement).

Measure

Gather data about the problem, identifying where to measure for optimal information. To know where to measure, you may need to map the process beforehand. This is useful anyway at this stage to get a common understanding of how things work.

Measurement of the current state gives you a baseline so you can tell later whether and how much you have improved the process.

Beware of measuring what you can, rather than what you should measure. When measures are difficult or expensive, though, there may be practical considerations such as time and cost to consider.

Analyze

Make sense of the data, for example using a Pareto Chart to identify priorities. Then understand cause and effect, for example using a Cause-Effect Diagram, digging down for the root causes that, if addressed, will help achieve the project goal.

Improve

Seek improvements to address selected causes and so achieve the goal. Develop the solution until it can be implemented, then put it into action (trialling first, if possible).

Measure the process again to determine whether real improvements have been gained and the goal achieved. As necessary, go back to to previous stages to change approach.

Control

Act to hold the gains, for example by changing standard documentation. Set up new operational standard measures and targets.