Two options for pacing a lean improvement project
Many organizations adopt one of two options for running improvement projects – namely instigating a full blown project which may have a duration of a few months or running a rapid and intense project (typically termed a Kaizen method) over a much shorter period (weeks rather than months.)
The two approaches are typically quite different – a full project team approach will typically involve team members who are not full time on the project (but will carry on with their usual day-job in tandem). These projects are typically headed by an improvement expert (sixsigma black belt for example) and follow the DMAIC method. Such improvement projects may take the route of a formal project methodology.
The shorter approach provides a much more intense methodology and aims to deliver results more quickly. Typically this short burst approach will utilize DMAIC methods but will not carry out the implementation stage. The main difference between a project approach is that team members are dedicated. This shorter approach is also typically headed by an improvement expert and it’s common that preliminary work may have been carried out.
When to use DMAIC
The DMAIC model is a well proven and widely used structured improvement model. (click here for the articles on the DMAIC model). DMAIC offers a step by step approach to problem solving, firstly by capturing the underlying root causes and then offering methods of improvement.
As a reminder DMAIC stands for
• Define
• Measure
• Analyze
• Improve
• Control
Due to its popularity and profile - there is a tendency to reach for DMAIC whatever the problem - DMAIC is not however a cure all and is not suitable for all initiatives.
Where process (or product) design is being carried out DMAIC is not particularly suitable – DMEDI (Design for Lean Six Sigma (here for the wikipedia article) is more relevant.
It’s important to remember that DMAIC facilitates development of the basic process which exists already but is not meeting expectation.
