DMAICThe structured problem-solving model behind Six Sigma: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control. DMAIC is used to improve processes that already exist. Click term for full definition is the five-phase route of every Lean Six SigmaA data-driven approach to improving processes by removing waste and reducing variation. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) combines the waste-focused thinking of Lean with the statistical, variation-focused methods of Six Sigma. Click term for full definition improvement projectA unique, temporary endeavor with a defined goal that is important, urgent or complex enough to need its own organization outside the normal line organization. Click term for full definition. This roadmap shows all 27 steps on one page, so you always know where you are and what comes next. Watch the short video, then work with the toolkit PDF: it explains the method, shows a worked example and gives you a blank template to fill in.
Tool video
The short tool video will appear here.
DMAIC Roadmap in short
- Find your phase. Mark the step you are working on right now.
- Check the steps before. Is anything missing or still unclear? Go back before you move on.
- Look at the next step. What do you need for it: data, people, decisions?
- Pass the tollgateA formal review point at the end of a DMAIC phase where the team pauses, presents its data and gets sign-off before moving on to the next phase. Click term for full definition. At the end of each phase, review your results with your sponsor before you start the next phase.
Key points
- DMAIC has five phases and 27 steps: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control.
- Each phase ends with a tollgate review before the next one starts.
- Use data to move from problem to root causeThe fundamental, underlying reason a problem occurs, as distinct from its symptoms. If you remove the root cause, the problem does not come back. Click term for full definition to solution.
- After Control, the next improvement cycle can begin.