DMAIC

Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control. Incremental process improvement using Six Sigma methodology. See DMAIC Methodology

Pronounced (Duh-May-Ick).

DMAIC refers to a data-driven quality strategy for improving processes, and is an integral part of the company’s Six Sigma Quality Initiative. DMAIC is an acronym for five interconnected phases: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

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Each step in the cyclical DMAIC Process is required to ensure the best possible results. The process steps:

Define the Customer, their Critical to Quality (CTQ) issues, and the Core Business Process involved.

• Define who customers are, what their requirements are for products and services, and what their expectations are
• Define project boundaries ­ the stop and start of the process
• Define the process to be improved by mapping the process flow

Measure the performance of the Core Business Process involved.

• Develop a data collection plan for the process
• Collect data from many sources to determine types of defects and metrics
• Compare to customer survey results to determine shortfall

Analyze the data collected and process map to determine root causes of defects and opportunities for improvement.

• Identify gaps between current performance and goal performance
• Prioritize opportunities to improve
• Identify sources of variation

Improve the target process by designing creative solutions to fix and prevent problems.

• Create innovate solutions using technology and discipline
• Develop and deploy implementation plan

Control the improvements to keep the process on the new course.

• Prevent reverting back to the “old way”
• Require the development, documentation and implementation of an ongoing monitoring plan
• Institutionalize the improvements through the modification of systems and structures (staffing, training, incentives

From GE’s DMAIC Approach, http://www.ge.com/capital/vendor/dmaic.htm