The Phases Of Lean Six Sigma

By Gary Reed


It is certainly worth investing time and manpower into identifying problems and inefficiencies. Countless companies, including some of the most well recognized in the world, have had success in streamlining the way things are done by implementing Lean Six Sigma.

There are 5 steps in the process. When followed, is is easy to see the progression and what the next steps should involve. Involving people from throughout the organization can be beneficial as there will be many different views about how to tackle the issue. The 5 phases in the process are Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and, finally, Control, and they are better known by their acronym, DMAIC.

Defining the problem is the first step, which is Define. A problem statement is developed, that describes what the problem that will be solved is. Making a statement about the end goal will help as well. How the process is currently done should be mapped out in detail. Finally, taking the time to identify the benefits of solving the problem and who will benefit from it sets a final target but defining what those who will benefit require of the way things are done.

The next phase is Measure. Data collection plans are outlined with plans in place to be sure that the data is collected consistently and accurately throughout the phase. Initial data is collected and out into charts. This is a good time to add people to the team that can help with the collection of it and may identify other areas where more information should be added.

The data that has been collected is then carefully looked at in the Analyze phase. Data is put into charts and displayed using different tools and charts. Meeting with the team and seeing if they can help identify what has been causing the problem by looking at the data is a good thing to do, and everyone's input will help make sure nothing is overlooked.

Improve is the next step. Again, the team can gather and come up with potential solutions to the problem. A process map for how the process can be improved may be designed and the best possible solutions filtered out. The solution or solutions should be implemented and additional data must then be collected once this is done to prove or disprove that the solution is working. It is important to make sure that the data collected is accurate and relevant.

In the last phase, which is Control, plans and controls are placed so that the process is maintained. This is where the team should be celebrated and the findings and solution shared to others within the company to see if it will be helpful to other processes. There is no point in others trying to solve a similar problem when the current project could be helpful.

North Carolina has a number of organizations that have seen success with the implementation of this process. It is wonderful to see the benefits that can come from spending the time on each step and reaping the rewards of the outcome.




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