Methods & toolsDMAIC (Six Sigma)

What is DMAIC?

DMAIC is Six Sigma’s project model in five phases: Define (bound the problem), Measure (measure current performance), Analyze (find root causes with data), Improve (implement and verify solutions) and Control (sustain the gain with management).

DMAIC suits complex problems where the cause is not obvious and where data must separate assumptions from facts — typically quality and variation problems. For simple, visible problems, A3 or kaizen is faster.

The Control phase is the most frequently neglected: without standards, training and ongoing measurement, the process slides back, and the gain evaporates within months.

See the A3 method standard

Related concepts

Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a data-driven improvement methodology that reduces variation and defects in processes. The name refers to the goal of a maximum of 3.4 defects per million opportunities — six standard deviations between the process mean and the nearest tolerance limit.

A3 problem solving

A3 is a structured problem-solving method where the entire analysis — background, current state, target, root cause, countermeasures and follow-up — is documented on a single A3 sheet. The format forces clarity: if the problem can’t be explained on one page, it isn’t understood.

Root cause analysis

Root cause analysis is a structured investigation that finds the underlying cause of a problem — the cause that, if removed, prevents recurrence. Symptom treatment removes the effect temporarily; root-cause treatment removes the problem permanently.

SPC

SPC (Statistical Process Control) monitors a process with control charts that distinguish natural variation (always present) from special variation (which has an identifiable cause). Reaction is required only for special variation — adjusting for natural variation makes the process worse.

From method to practice

A method only becomes real when someone uses it tomorrow. Our templates are print-ready and can be filled in directly — pick the one that fits what you are facing.

See all templates