10.3 Improving the Problem: The Big Picture

You and your team identified your critical to quality (CTQs) factors when completing the DMAIC Define phase. Subsequently, you operationally defined, performed measurement system analysis, and collected baseline data on your CTQ during the Measure phase. During the Analyze phase, you identified the key factors (Xs) that cause your CTQ to be problematic and lead to issues. Now, in the Improve phase, you will identify alternative methods—which we call change concepts—for performing each problematic step in the relevant processes containing the Xs.

As you embark on the Improve phase, your team will explore and select alternative ways to execute processes containing one or more of the vital few Xs the team identified in the previous stage of the DMAIC. You may need to prioritize solutions. As implementing them involves change, the team will also need to examine potential risks from the new or modified process. Finally, of course, you want to ascertain that the solution actually works by running pilot tests.

Ultimately, you will examine new or improved ways to perform processes containing vital Xs that will change the “voice of the process” for the CTQ(s) that apply to your project. Keeping in mind that the activities and tools listed in each phase of the DMAIC methodology are tentative and each project will require a unique combination of tools, you and your team will perform several of the following essential activities in this phase:

• Generate alternative ways to perform the relevant process

• Select the best alternative method (change concept)

• Discuss potential risks

• Run a pilot test of the new process