Handbook Lean Six Sigma, Proces control, Change management: Methods, tools and inspiration for operational improvement projects

The SMART method provides a framework for goal setting that ensures goals are clearly defined and achievable. SMART stands for:

Specific: The goal should be clear and specific, to understand what needs to be accomplished.

Measurable: Under what (measurable/observable) conditions is the goal achieved?

Achievable: The goal should be realistic and achievable, based on the resources and skills available.

Relevant: The goal should be relevant and contribute to the overall goals or mission.

Time-bound: When (in time) should the goal be (realistically) achieved?

- Vision/mission (long-term 5-10 years): What do we want to be known for?

- Strategy (long-term 3-5 years): How do we get to where we want to be?

- Tactical (medium-term 1-3 years): What are the goals / stages?

- Operational projects (short-term 0.5-2 years): What detailed goals do we have?

DMADesign Verify for new/non-existent products. DMAIC or DMADV if the product does not meet VOC requirements.

Tollgates are evaluation moments that serve as checkpoints to ensure the progress and quality of projects. The goal is to ensure that all phases of the project are completed before moving on to the next step.

DMAIC is a data-driven quality strategy used for process improvement and is a core component of Six Sigma methodologies. This consists of the following five steps:

Define: In the Define phase, we define the problem by answering the following questions:

– Who is the customer?

– What does he/she think is important?

– What process is it?

– How do we record the results?

Measuring: In the measurement phase, relevant data is measured and collected.

The process is predetermined. In addition, we deal with the determination and execution of a basic measurement, the execution of a measurement system analysis and the determination of the problem size.

Analysis: In the analysis phase, the collected data is analysed.

In doing so, we determine the causes of the problem, carry out a data and process analysis and identify the biggest causes. One of the seven basic quality analysis tools is the Ishikawa diagram.

Improve: In the improvement phase, improvements are developed, tested and implemented. Solutions are sought for the causes, a selection of the best solutions is made and then implemented.

Control: The control phase is about preventing a relapse and managing the change. It is important to validate the implemented solution, for example by setting up a permanent measurement system that monitors the process performance.

DMAIC is typically employed in the following cases:

Process Improvement: When an existing process is not performing optimally, DMAIC helps identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.

Quality Control: To enhance product or service quality by systematically analyzing defects and variations in processes.

Cost Reduction: When organizations aim to reduce costs associated with waste, rework, or inefficiencies in their processes.

Customer Satisfaction: To improve customer satisfaction by addressing issues related to product quality or service delivery.

Problem-Solving: In situations where specific problems or challenges need to be addressed through a structured approach.

Standardization: To establish standardized processes that minimize variability and ensure consistent outcomes.

Regulatory Compliance: When organizations