Lean Six Sigma: Elements of CONTROL

In previous posts, we covered the DMAIC Methodology in Six Sigma. Specifically, we covered:

1. Define Phase, DMAIC
2. Measure Phase, DMAIC
3. Analyze Phase, DMAIC
4. Improve Phase, DMAIC

In this post, we’ll cover the final phase of the DMAIC Methodology in Six Sigma, Control.

DMAIC – Six Sigma – Control

If you recall, the Improve Phase of DMAIC focused on implementing the practical solutions to the root causes identified in the Analyze Phase of DMAIC. In this phase of DMAIC, Control, we focus on verifying whether or not the changes we made in Improve led to the expected changes. Part of the Control Phase is also verifying how much improvement was made, if any at all.

Here are a few critical questions in the Control Phase:

1. How do you know the problem has been reduced?
2. How do you know that the problem will not come back?
3. How do you know you are measuring the right process indicators?
4. What did you learn while leading the project?

In general, the critical output in Control is a before/after chart as shown below:

Depending on the problem and the process, a Control Chart showing the Pre-Intervention and Post-Intervention is a good way to demonstrate whether the changes made, made an impact or not.

In terms of the overall picture, the Control Phase might be visualized below:

Part of the Control Phase Tollgate will be to also discuss what other problems might or should be considered next after the completion of you current project. And, a cost/benefit analysis is also important to complete at this step.