Six Sigma uses D M A I C methodology for implementation
Define: This step involves selecting projects that have major impacts on the customers and bottom line effects on the organization. We define the team that will carry out the project. We outline the issues that are effecting the customers and causing quality problems. We also quantify benefits that will be achieved and outline overall schedule to achieve the results. We develop a document called Project Charter which includes all of the above information.
Measure: In this step we collect data on the quality issues. We check to make sure data we are collecting is good. We draw up overall ( S I P O C )and detailed Process Flow Charts. We determine the Process Capability of the existing process.
Analyze: In this step we analyze the data to make sense of the items that are causing the quality issues. We draw up Pareto Chart and Cause and Effect Diagrams. We use descriptive and inferential statistics to quantify and display the issues.
Improve: In this step we develop methods to improve the process. Determing of the root causes points to possible solutions to overcome the issues. We may need to experiment to see how different variables are causing the problems by using Design Of Experiments techniques to arrive at best solutions. Best solutions are implemented using Project Management techniques. FMEA techniques is used to identify possible failure modes and then applying techniques to mitigate the issues.
Control: In this step we assure that improved process is working over a longer period. We revise the SOP’s, verify the Process Capability we expected and publish the Learning’s for the organization