DMAIC methodology is one of the most widely used concepts to improve a process or function. They can also be used for creating strategies, work-flow, and most importantly conduct and implement Six Sigma projects.
If you want to learn about what DMAIC is, how it works, read: DMAIC: Approach to Continuous Improvement.
Now, let’s discuss how to choose good projects for DMAIC and Six Sigma. It’s one thing to pick a topic and dissect it, it’s a completely different aspect whether it benefits your organization or the process. But just how do you know which topic will become a good project?
Identify Problem(s)
A DMAIC is aimed at solving a problem revolving around a process, waste, or quality issues within an organization. Using this model will make the process more reliable and efficient. Therefore, identifying problems, issues, defects, delays, lack of strategy, inefficiencies, etc. is the first thing that you should identify.
These areas of concern become the base for your project’s “problem statement”. This is the Define phase of the DMAIC methodology. Also, it is the issue that you will address and fix if it is a Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma project.
Filtering the Voice from the Noise
You need to know that every problem cannot be solved through DMAIC. Why, you ask? Because sometimes, the issue and its effective solution are already known, and sometimes the issue is so complex (it has a lot of other parts, or it needs a complete redesign, etc.). Thus, negating the need for DMAIC.
So, before you head on with your project, it’s important to first determine that it meets the DMAIC criteria. Mentioned below is an exhaustive list that you can use to assess the sustainability of your DMAIC project.
Organize a Project Selection Workshop
When you find problems with processes in your organization, the next step is to discuss the projects with your team. Arrange a workshop that will be headed by the Champion, Black Belts, and Green Belts.
Discuss the DMAIC projects with the team and assess them with the key selection criteria as mentioned. This will help you understand the projects in the order of support received by the administration and executives. Thus, it allows you to prioritize projects in a manner of decreasing importance to the organization.
This will keep the team and the management apprised of all the developments and project undertakings. This will ensure that your project goes as planned and brings benefits to the organization and its customers.
Leverage Project Selection Tools
This step is optional and subjected to personal discretion. Using these tools will enable you to find best projects that are viable and utilize fewer resources, providing spectacular results. You can use many tools, some of them are mentioned below:
Structure Conduct Performance (S C P)
The S-C-P is a top-down approach that determines the effectiveness of a project. The structure aspect measures the economic value, opportunity cost, etc.
Read more about SCP
SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats) Analysis
SWOT analysis is one of the most widely used tools for a practical assessment of your project(s). A SWOT analysis covers all the aspects of a project, despite being a simple thought process.
Read more about SWOT Analysis
Conclusion
These criteria and methods also apply to selecting a good Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma project. Due to its flexibility and benefits, the DMAIC model is an integral part of Six Sigma projects. Thus, make sure to use the right methodology and application to get the maximum benefit.
The possibilities, and applications of the DMAIC approach varies and changes from issue to issue, and process to process. But at the core its concept remains the same, and applies to any improvement problem you’re addressing.