Solution Selection Matrix

You can learn more about the solution selection matrix in the explanation below, or you can download a free solution selection matrix here.

As key tool in the Six Sigma DMAIC Methodology is the use of the Solution Selection Matrix. By contrast, this same approach in Lean Manufacturing is typically called a Countermeasures Matrix, which shows all the potential countermeasures for each root cause.

A solution selection matrix will contain the following:

1. The problem we’re trying to solve.
2. The root causes attached to the problem, in a sideways branching tree diagram.
3. The practical solutions attached to each root cause – a root cause can have several practical solutions.

Then, there can be a number of likert scale attributes to judge the effectiveness or feasibility of the proposed solutions.

A Solution Selection Matrix example is shown below:

This exercise should be done as a team, involving the right stakeholders and decision makers in order to be effective. This exercise can have the potential to create strong supporters or strong resistors, so take caution because going forward, we are thinking less and less about data, but more and more about people-related issues and making change happen in an organization.