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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 […]
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10 reasons why balanced scorecards rock
A balanced scorecard forms part of a performance management system and consolidates key organizational KPI’s. Scorecards traditionally map four areas of business performance
• Financial
• Process
• Customers
• Learning and Growth
Working on the basis that financial measures are not sufficient in their own right to manage a business – scorecards aim to bridge the gap between an organizations strategy and […]
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How to write a Project Charter
When commencing a project its important for the project team to establish a mandate for the project that they are instigating – by articulating the information around the project they can communicate to key stakeholders that they have clear objectives, a mandate from senior management and have thought through issues and constraints.
A Project […]
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Validate business issues early on in sixsigma events
When being presented with a business problem one of the first steps to undertake before embarking on an improvement plan or kaizan event is to validate the problem. Carrying out these steps will not only help the improvement team understand the issue but will also generate thoughts on potential solutions that can be utilized […]
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Improving businesses by using Quality circles
Quality circles, which originated from Japanese manufacturing, are a business improvement workgroup typified by groups of workers who meet regularly and target continuous improvement of the processes under their direct control
Typical topics include targeting health and safety, skills and training, improving quality of output, process improvement and design. A typical quality […]
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Control part 5 of DMAIC
Control is the fifth step in the DMAIC improvement model.
During this stage the solution selected during the improve phase is implemented – this is often accompanied by
• Transition plan
• Standardized and documented processes
• Handover to the customer
It is important that following implementation KPI’s or a monitoring plan is established to ensure that the new process sustains […]
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Improve part 4 of DMAIC
Improve is the fourth step in the DMAIC improvement model. In this step solutions are formulated and tested, the “best” solution is identified and implementation plan established.
Improve should contain a number of sign offs namely that the solutison meets the needs of the customer and that it is in line with the business case […]
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Analyze Part 3 of DMAIC
Analyze is the third step in the DMAIC improvement model. It utilizes data captured during the Measure stage
Activity undertaken in the Analyze step helps
• Capture possible causes of the problem
• Verify the root causes of the problem
• Prioritize the problems found
There are a variety of tools that can be used during this step such as value add […]
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Measuring performance Part 2 of DMAIC
Measure is the second phase of the DMAIC improvement model. This step captures and analyzes information in the form of data to establish current performance of a process.
The Measure step usually requires a form of Data collection plan. This will usually include both the capture and analysis of data. This will facilitate
• Assigning KPI’s
• Understanding […]
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Defining an improvement program - Part 1 of DMAIC
Define is the first step in the DMAIC model
Improvement projects are usually established to solve a particular problem – the define step helps lead the team through initiating the task, defining the scope (i.e. the problem to be resolved), the goals etc. The define step also helps establish the formal plans for the project […]
