What is DMAIC

"DMAIC a Crucial Model in SixSigma"

With business improvement projects, the best results are garnered from following a pre-defined process - DMAIC is one such process and is a widely used business methodology for problem solving. Representing the five phases of sixsigma, DMAIC is an acronym and stands for
* Define
* Measure
* Analyze
* Improve
* Control

DMAIC projects are commonly run by teams and whilst it is possible to skip elements – the process is arranged to provide maximum benefit in analyzing business problems and quantifying and highlighting improvements and therefore the best results are obtained from following the process in it’s entirety.

There are a variety of benefits in following DMAIC, firstly it’s a structured approach and provides a road map for solutions solving from start to finish and is tied into producing bottom line results for businesses. Secondly it supports an analytical approach through use of data, this helps ensure that accurate baselines can be established and improvements quantified – finally utilizing DMAIC is suited to challenging problems and the model helps find answers where both problems and solutions are likely to be complex

DMAIC isn’t a panacea however and isn’t recommended in all cases, for example where processes are broken beyond repair – and or your designing a new product or service other tools are better suited – (e.g. DMEDI (Design for Lean Six Sigma).

DMAIC also suggests a team based approach and it does require time and resource to be worked effectively. As with all projects businesses must provide the correct resources to deliver the correct results.