1. DMAIC Stages and Deliverables
Define
Measure
Analyze
Improve
Control
Minimum Define Stage Deliverables
Clear problem statement/ tangible goal
Financial / customer benefits agreed upon
Initial team defined, Project Charter complete
Critical Success Factors
Management agrees this is a high-payback project and goals are achievable
Highly focused problem statement and goal
Project charter sets clear expectations (in/out of scope, project timing, risks, etc.)

2. DMAIC Stages and Deliverables
Define
Measure
Analyze
Improve
Control
Minimum Measure Stage Deliverables
Process flowchart (ideally a value stream map)
Measurement system validation
Baseline performance (process capability)
Critical Success Factors
Accurate baseline data available (if not, measure report-out may be delayed)
Gage R&R study completed (applies mostly to product measurements)
Product & process subject matter experts are supporting the team

3. DMAIC Stages and Deliverables
Define
Measure
Analyze
Improve
Control
Minimum Analyze Stage Deliverables
Major causes understood
Bullet #1 supported with data
Critical Success Factors
Top causes must be proven, cannot rely on Fishbone Diagram (speculation) alone

4. DMAIC Stages and Deliverables
Define
Measure
Analyze
Improve
Control
Minimum Improve Stage Deliverables
Team has controlled or eliminated top causes sufficiently to achieve project goal
Proof of bullet #1 is indisputable, and the team has the capability of turning the problem “on” and “off” based on their control of the input variables
Critical Success Factors
See bullet #2 above

5. DMAIC Stages and Deliverables
Define
Measure
Analyze
Improve
Control
Minimum Improve Stage Deliverables
Team has implemented appropriate controls in the organization to control the causes for the long run
Permanent product/process design changes are implemented wherever possible to negate the need for a control plan
Critical Success Factors
If a control plan is needed, the business has a strong internal audit function to ensure long-term compliance
CONTROL PLAN