Lean Six Sigma

The continuous improvement team uses the DMAIC methodology in its Lean Six Sigma projects for process improvement when applicable.

We start with an initial discovery and project intake meeting with the project initiator, where we seek to understand the organizational framework, discuss the project process and expectations, and discuss the scheduling and timing of the project.

Define

At the beginning of the project, we’ll help the team define the problem, the goal, and the project’s scope. We’ll also identify the stakeholders and establish a project team.Teams should expect to come out of this phase with some, if not all, of the following:

  • Project Charter
  • Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customer (SIPOC) Diagram

Measure

During this stage, we’ll help identify data to collect on the current process to understand its performance. This also helps establish a baseline to measure improvement against.Teams should expect to come out of this phase with some, if not all, of the following: 

  • Process Map
  • Voice of the Customer (VoC) to understand feedback from customers
  • A well-defined measure of success

Analyze

At this point, our team will help analyze the data to identify the root cause(s) of the problem. This might involve a Kaizen event where cross-functional teams come together to analyze and improve a specific process or problem area and determine the impact of the problem on the customer.

Improve

In this stage, we’ll develop and implement solutions to address the root causes of the problem. This also includes the appropriate process documentation and training materials for the departments’ end users. Teams should expect to come out of this phase with some, if not all, of the following: 

  • Solution Selection Matrix
  • Implementation plan
  • Training materials

Control

In the last stage, we’ll help establish a system to ensure that the process remains improved and that the problem does not recur. Depending on the department’s needs, we can help train employees on the new process or simply ‘train the trainers.’ Our team will also schedule a formal 30, 60, or 90-day check-in, depending on what’s relevant to the process. 

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