Definition of 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.
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
