DMAIC Concept and Deep Explanation - Define Phase

At this stage, executive team identify problems, define customer's specifications, and setting goals reduction of defect/cost and time targets


What tools and technique for this Concept?
In the Define phase, you need to determine which opportunities will provide the biggest payoff for our efforts. Part of this task involves describing the current state of various metrics.

• Check sheets 

How to use it?
+ Clearly identify what is being observed. The events being observed should be clearly labeled. Everyone has to be looking for the same thing.
+ Keep the data collection process as easy as possible. Collecting data should not become a job in and of itself. Simple check marks are easiest.
+ Group the data. Collected data should be grouped in a way that makes the data valuable and reliable.
+ Similar problems must be in similar groups.

for complete explanation about check sheet On Google doc


Check Sheets Procedure :

1. Decide what event or problem will be observed. Develop operational definitions.
2. Decide when data will be collected and for how long.
3. Design the form. Set it up so that data can be recorded simply by making check marks or Xs or similar symbols and so that data do not have to be recopied for analysis.
4. Label all spaces on the form.
5. Test the check sheet for a short trial period to be sure it collects the appropriate data and is easy to use.
6. Each time the targeted event or problem occurs, record data on the check sheet.

• Flow charts

Flowchart is a common type of diagram, that represents an algorithm or process, showing the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting these with arrows. This diagrammatic representation can give a step-by-step solution to a given problem.  Data is represented in these boxes, and arrows connecting them represent flow / direction of flow of data. Flowcharts are used in analyzing, designing, documenting or managing a process or program in various fields
See Flow Chart Examples

• Pareto Analysis Methods (Improvement Basic Tools)

Pareto analysis is a good statistical technique in decision making that is used for selection of a limited number of tasks that produce significant overall effect. It uses the Pareto principle the idea that by doing 20% of work you can generate 80% of the advantage of doing the entire job. Or in terms of quality improvement, a large majority of problems (80%) are produced by a few key causes (20%).
Complete Explanation, description and sample of Pareto

• Cause and Effect (Fishbone)

A Cause-and-Effect Diagram is a tool that helps identify, sort, and display possible causes of a specific problem or quality characteristic. It graphically illustrates the relationship between a given outcome and all the factors that influence the outcome. This type of diagram is sometimes called an "Ishikawa diagram" because it was invented by Kaoru Ishikawa, or a fishbone diagram.
Complete Explanation Cause-and-Effect (Fishbone)

• 7M (Seven tools Quality management) 

7M tools are apply for qualitative data. The “M” stands for Management and the tools are focus on managing and planning quality improvement activities. In the recognition of the planning emphasis, these are often referred to as the “7MP” tools. The tools are Affinity Diagrams, Tree Diagram, Matrix Diagram, Interrelationship Diagrams, Prioritization Matrices and Activity Network Diagram
Further information about 7M Quality Management

• FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis)

What is FMEA?
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is methodology for analyzing potential reliability problems early in the development cycle where it is easier to take actions to overcome these issues, thereby enhancing reliability through design. FMEA is used to identify potential failure modes, determine their effect on the operation of the product, and identify actions to mitigate the failures. A crucial step is anticipating what might go wrong with a product.
For More information about FMEA and complete case and examples FMEA diagram