This year we have been posting about the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology which is the hallmark of Six Sigma theory and execution. Since this is the final blog for 2022 we decided to include both ‘Improve’ and ‘Control’ within this post.
So far we have discussed the importance of defining the problem that we want to fix or area we want to improve and the value of spending time on developing a robust Project Charter, how to protect our project from scope creep by using tools such as a Data Collection Plan and how to uncover the actual Root Cause of the problem we are wanting to resolve or area we are planning to improve.
In this post we will list common tools which will aid in collating all the information we have gathered thus far in our project and interpreting that information into potential solutions. However, our primary focus will be on how to actually implement change and then how to monitor / control those changes.
To jump right in, some of the most common tools within the Improve phase to identify potential solutions include:
Once you have a list of possible solutions, selecting the best one AND implementing often brings with it stress and anxiety therefore putting a plan in place is essential for successful change.
There are many templates and resources available online for developing an Implementation Plan. We recommend including the following elements:
Each of these elements can be broken down by applying the 5W2H Method. For example,
Strategy
Process
Action
By answering these questions, you and your team will have a clear picture of the time, human resources, financial resources and most importantly, the communication which will be required for a successful implementation of the improvements / solution you have selected for your project.
The final element in a Six Sigma DMAIC project is ‘Control’. This is the phase that makes all the others worth the time and energy because in the Control phase we focus on maintaining the change(s) / improvement(s) that have been implemented.
Oftentimes, the greatest challenge at this point is maintaining the cultural / psychological change that occurred therefore it is important to review your organizations infrastructure (is it technically possible to maintain the change?), the policies and procedures (do these support the change(s)?) and the culture of your organization (is everyone on board with the change(s) / improvement(s) and intentionally incorporating the change(s) / improvement(s) into their daily activities and conversations?)
Some tools and activities which typically occur within the Control Phase include…
As Six Sigma practitioners it is easy to remain focused on the technical aspects of a project such as collecting and analyzing the data. Therefore, in this series we wanted to highlight some key activities and soft skills which can have a dramatic impact on the success of your project.
We trust you will continue to thrive and learn from each experience and that you will allocate additional time and energy to developing your plans at each stage of the DMAIC process and that you will focus on how your project will and is, impacting the culture of your organization.
Thank you for joining us on this journey and we look forward to connecting in 2023!
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