DMAIC is a cyclical sequence of data-oriented project management steps aimed at improving, stabilizing, and optimizing processes. DMAIC is a key tool in Six Sigma projects, but it can also be used in other continuous improvement techniques.
DMAIC is an acronym for the English names of the project phases: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.
The DMAIC approach is used as a tool for disciplined and systematic problem-solving related to processes of any kind. It was primarily focused on manufacturing processes, but it is successfully used for problems related to service processes, product design and development, or business processes. DMAIC is the core of Green Belt and Black Belt projects. In general, DMAIC projects must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-related), meaning they address specific process problems with parameters that can be measured and changed.
The DMAIC project is divided into five sequential phases, and it is essential to follow their order. The output from the previous phase serves as the input for the current phase. After each phase, a review, known as a phase summary, is conducted. The review examines whether the phase's objectives were met. In case of a negative response, further progress is not possible, and the review serves as a safeguard against hasty actions. The purpose of DMAIC is to thoroughly understand the problem at hand and propose genuinely effective corrective actions. Since DMAIC is used to address complex issues, it requires significant inputs in terms of time (the project can last more than 12 months), workforce (it is a team effort), and finances (the project involves measurements and costs associated with testing hypotheses and implementing corrective actions). Every misstep can be costly. On the other hand, such projects have the potential to save costs ranging from tens of thousands (Green belt project) to hundreds of thousands (Black belt project) of euros.
The project is usually initiated by management's decision, appointing a project leader (usually a Green Belt or Black Belt) to form a team. The team then defines the project's goals and scope, along with parameters related to the problem in the Define phase. It is good practice to identify the project's customer and set a timeframe and financial framework. After reviewing this phase, the project moves into the Measure phase, where the team gathers as much specific and measurable data about the process as possible. Under no circumstances do they implement changes to the process. Once sufficient data is collected, the project proceeds to the Analyse phase, where the team identifies causal relationships between the collected data and the problem being addressed. After understanding these relationships, the team proposes corrective actions to eliminate the problem. In the Improve phase, the team conducts a series of tests to verify the effectiveness of the proposed corrective actions. If the corrective actions prove to be effective, the team formally implements the new process setting in the Control phase, with designated employees responsible for ensuring adherence to the changes.
Successful implementation should result in a more efficient and better-managed process. Often, during the project, Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods are introduced.
A significant risk in DMAIC project management is being overly eager to implement corrective actions, which can lead to skipping or not adequately completing the Measure and Analyze phases. As a result, ineffective corrective actions may be implemented.
Another issue is the unclear definition of the project scope in the Define phase, which can lead to an unmanageable project scope.
However, the most significant risk is underestimating the project scope by management, leading to premature termination of the project due to lack of time, finances, or often due to the urgency of other issues. This decision wastes human potential, time, and financial resources invested in the project, while the problem remains unresolved.
DMAIC is an effective but demanding process with high added value. Leading a DMAIC project requires a good understanding of the nature of the focused process, as well as knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methods and tools.
| Training name | Training duration | Venue | Price | The nearest date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEAN Management |
2 days
(8:00 - 14:00)
|
Online |
810,00 €
972,00 € VAT included
|
17.12.2024 - 18.12.2024
+ 4
|
| Statistical Process Control – Basics |
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|
Online |
810,00 €
972,00 € VAT included
|
26.02.2025 - 27.02.2025
+ 3
|
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10 days
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Company in-house training | On request |
According to you
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According to you
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| SPC III Project of introducing statistical methods in the organization |
2 days
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Company in-house training | On request |
According to you
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