A six sigma
tool. Short for an improvement system, which stands for Define, Measure,
Analyze, Improve, and Control. Provides organization to process
improvements, process and product design
and/or redesign of procedures and materials using methodologies such as
process improvement, design reviews, ANOVA,
(analysis of variance), control
charts, and the like in a six sigma plan.
You can use our free DPMO/PPM,
Cpk, Sigma,
and Yield Lookup
Table Calculator Software with a converter to convert the units and
dynamic links to Microsoft Excel for some measurements. Control
charts are greatly used for DMAIC projects.
A segment that defines the problem or opportunity
for a problem, in a process or procedure that effects the customer's
requirement or specifications. A hypothesis
statement can be used in this used for this item.
The act of defining and identifying key
measurements and collecting data, (with quality
inspections using in most cases stratified
sampling and a systematic sampling
plan), on the assembles, and presenting a conclusion for a
quantified evaluation of any given characteristics and/or level of
operation based on the observed data collected. (also see Random
Sampling)
The action where a processes, procedure, or
service, details are examined for process improvement opportunities. Note
that data is examined and confirmed to demonstrate suspected root or common
causes, (Not Special Cause),
and verify a problem statement and the process analysis should include
reviewing process maps for wasted
and non-wasted actions.
A segment that defines where solutions and
ideas may be generated and ruled on. Once a problem has been successfully
identified, measured, and analyzed for potential solutions, the results
can be evaluated to solve the problem.
Once improvement opportunities have been
implemented, by continuing to measure the process, using SPC,
(statistical process control), to trace and confirm the
stability of the implemented improvements and the expected results in the
process. (also see our pages on Statistical
Process Control and Range
or R-Bar and mean also known as X-Bar for more details on SPC control
charts).
Sometimes but not always will include some process
management methodology including process ownership. A statistical
theory that can indicate whether a process operating within an acceptable
range and if it is being influenced by variations
mainly attributed to "common cause" factors. Any processes that
can operate in this condition are said to be "in control".
