Last Updated on 12 September 2023
The Measure phase is the second step in the DMAIC model of Six Sigma. This phase helps establish a quantitative baseline from which you can measure improvement. It involves gathering data about the current process and developing important metrics.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the different steps involved in the Measure phase.
1. Identify Key Internal Processes:
- List and analyze the key internal processes that contribute to fulfilling your customers’ requirements.
- Understand how these processes affect customer satisfaction.
2. Define Performance Standards:
- Establish the standard or desired levels of performance.
- These standards are derived based on the customer requirements collected in the Define phase and act as benchmarks for the process outcomes.
3. Select Measurement Systems:
- Choose suitable methods and tools to gather and analyze data.
- You may use time studies, work sampling, databases, etc.
4. Collect Data:
- Start gathering data systematically to understand the process performance according to the standards defined.
- Data might be collected from a variety of sources, such as employee feedback, surveys, performance reports, or observational studies.
5. Analyze Data:
- Interpret the data using descriptive or inferential statistics to identify trends, patterns, and potential issues.
- You might find variation, inconsistency, or deviation from the standard performance level, which need to be addressed.
6. Map and Document the Process:
- Create a detailed process map that represents the ‘as-is’ state of the process.
- This process map should depict each step in the process, decision points, inputs, outputs, and potential areas of concern.
The key intent of the Measure phase is to establish reliable metrics that accurately monitor the performance of your key processes. This data-driven approach sets the ground for the Analyze phase, where these process measurements are used to identify the root cause of the problem.
Leave a Reply