We have grouped the 6Sigma content in the DMAIC structure.
DEFINE – Clarifying the Problem and Scope
- Project Charter
A formal document that defines the business problem, objectives, scope, timeline, roles, and expected benefits, ensuring alignment, focus, and leadership commitment throughout the Six Sigma project..
- DMAIC Framework
A structured, data-driven improvement methodology used to define problems, measure current performance, analyze root causes, improve processes, and control results to achieve sustainable, measurable improvements.
- SIPOC
A high-level process overview that defines Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers to align stakeholders, clarify boundaries, and establish a shared understanding of the process scope.
- Voice of the Customer (VOC)
A structured approach to capturing customer needs, expectations, and pain points and translating them into meaningful inputs for process improvement and decision-making.
- CTQ (Critical to Quality)
A method that translates customer requirements into specific, measurable performance characteristics that define what quality means from the customer’s perspective.
MEASURE – Understanding Current Performance
- Process Mapping (Detailed / Swimlane)
A visual representation of process steps, handovers, and responsibilities used to understand current workflows, identify variation, and reveal inefficiencies and rework.
- Data Collection Plan
A structured plan defining what data will be collected, how, when, and by whom, ensuring measurement efforts are reliable, relevant, and aligned with improvement objectives.
- Measurement System Analysis (MSA / Gage R&R)
An evaluation of measurement accuracy and consistency to ensure that data reflects true process performance rather than measurement error or bias.
- Descriptive Statistics
Statistical tools used to summarize data and understand variation through measures such as mean, median, spread, and distribution shape.
ANALYZE – Identifying Root Causes
- Process Capability Analysis (Cp / Cpk)
An analysis that compares process performance against specification limits to assess how capable the process is of meeting customer requirements consistently.
- Hypothesis Testing
Statistical methods used to determine whether observed differences or changes in data are statistically significant rather than caused by random variation.
- Regression Analysis
A statistical technique used to quantify relationships between variables and identify which inputs have the greatest influence on process outcomes.
- Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
A structured risk assessment method that identifies potential failure modes, evaluates their impact and likelihood, and prioritizes actions to prevent defects.
- Data Segmentation (Stratification)
A technique that splits data into meaningful subgroups, such as product type, shift, supplier, or location, to reveal hidden patterns and sources of variation.
- Probability Plots (Normality Analysis)
Graphical tools used to assess data distribution and determine whether assumptions of normality are valid, supporting correct selection of statistical analyses.
- Design of Experiments (DOE)
A structured experimental method that evaluates multiple process factors simultaneously to identify critical drivers and optimize performance efficiently. Effective Analysis Tool.
In the Improve Phase we use the DOE again to prove optimum process settings and impact made.
IMPROVE – Implementing Effective Solutions
- Solution Selection & Risk Assessment
A structured evaluation of improvement options based on impact, feasibility, and risk, ensuring selected solutions address root causes without creating new issues.
- Pilot Testing / Implementation Plan
A controlled approach to testing improvements on a limited scale before full deployment, reducing risk and enabling learning before rollout.
- Standardization of Improvements
The integration of successful improvements into standard procedures, work instructions, and process documentation to ensure consistency and repeatability.
CONTROL – Sustaining the Gains
- Control Charts (SPC)
Statistical charts used to monitor process stability over time and detect special-cause variation requiring corrective action.
- Control Plan
A structured document defining how critical process parameters and quality characteristics will be monitored, controlled, and responded to over time.
- Visual Management & Response Plans
Visual tools and predefined actions that enable teams to quickly identify deviations and respond consistently to maintain process performance.
- Process Ownership & Handover
A formal transfer of responsibility to process owners, ensuring accountability, monitoring, and continuous improvement after project closure.
