DMAIC Template

What is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma is an organizational cycle that measures the highest quality of work. It aims to maintain a highly effective and efficient production and administration system which includes operations, purchasing, human resources, and customer services. Six Sigma gauges efficiency and excellence in every process which applies a data-driven approach and methodology in removing errors and defects to solve a problem.

Importance of Six Sigma in the Workplace

Six Sigma has been widely used in different industries. It helps organizations to implement process improvement and techniques to achieve the following:

Eliminate waste

Waste is anything that is irrelevant to your organization. Eliminating wastes can simplify your process to achieve consistency in delivering products or services. Six Sigma focuses on needs and demand to achieve efficiency and improve production timeline.

Reduce errors and defects

Reducing errors and defects are the primary concern of six sigma. To achieve 100% of quality, facilities and equipment should be maintained regularly to ensure they are operational to prevent recurring issues. This also includes identifying human and process errors to address areas for improvement.

Streamline processes

Six Sigma helps to document all aspects including employee profile, production processes, problems identified, effective solutions, and implementation of corrective actions. It helps to eliminate unwanted costs and the repetition of work.

What are the Six Sigma Methodologies?

While Six Sigma experts and consultants have come up with their own methodologies for implementing Six Sigma in different organizations and industries, as well as learning how to use it with different matrices such as a prioritization matrix, DMAIC and DMADV are the two methodologies of Six Sigma that are most widely used.

DMAIC

An acronym that stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control, DMAIC is a rigorous quantitative method for process improvement. A Six Sigma method that is best applicable for the improvement of existing processes or products, DMAIC is intended for processes or output that may be performing below expectations or specifications and are determined to benefit the most from incremental improvement.

DMADV

DMADV is a Six Sigma method that stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, and Verify. DMADV follows the first three steps as DMAIC only that the last two steps are specific for the intent of redesigning or creating new processes, products, or services.

What is the Difference Between DMAIC and DMADV?

To further differentiate between DMAIC and DMADV, here are descriptions for each acronym:

Six Sigma Management Tools

Each step of the DMAIC and DMADV methodologies will entail the need to utilize some or a combination of Six Sigma management tools. Here are some of the most popular Six Sigma management tools you can use according to the needs of your business:

FMEA Template

FMEA stands for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis and it is a systematic method of anticipating potential failures in business processes and mitigating their impact on customers. Use this FMEA template when improving existing process, product, or service using the DMAIC method and identify potential problems in order to prevent potential adverse effects on customers.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Template

Used in the analysis step of Six Sigma methodologies, Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is an approach in analyzing an identified problem and eliminating its root cause. RCA can help ensure the prevention of recurring problems, aiding in the improvement of business processes. Use this RCA template to analyze a recurring problem and help eliminate the root causes.

5 Whys Template

Use this 5 whys template designed to make it easier to uncover the very root cause of a problem by drilling down and asking the question “why?” until all logical questions are answered and the real cause of the problem is realized. Once the cause is identified Six Sigma experts can then formulate solutions that intend to prevent the same issues from recurring.

Kaizen Report Template

Use this kaizen report template to integrate the lean approach to your Six Sigma methodology. Define the project, select the category, uncover the root cause of the problem through RCA, and identify the improvement measures.

SIPOC Template

SIPOC or Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customer is a tool used to summarize and illustrate the end-to-end process of specific business functions and operations. Some use the opposite, COPIS, in which the customer is put first in the diagram. Use this SIPOC template to summarize all the processes involved in the creation of an output and utilize the information as a reference during brainstorming sessions for finding ways to improve or redesigning processes and products

What to Include in a Six Sigma DMAIC Template

A Six Sigma template typically includes several key elements that support the structured process improvement methodology. The most essential components found in common Six Sigma templates, especially project charters and DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) templates, are:

Define

• Clearly state the problem, project goals, scope, and identify key customers (VOC).

• Create a high-level process map (e.g., SIPOC) and define the project team.

Measure

• Develop a data collection plan and gather baseline performance metrics.

• Validate measurement systems and document current process capability.

Analyze

• Use root cause analysis tools (Fishbone, 5 Whys) to identify key causes.

• Perform statistical analysis to confirm root causes and prioritize them.

Improve

• Generate and pilot test solutions targeting root causes.

• Develop an implementation plan and assess risks using tools like FMEA.

Control

• Create a control plan with ongoing monitoring and control charts.

• Update SOPs and train stakeholders to sustain process improvements.