Defining Process Improvement-Measure and Analyze

More Technical Approaches to Process Improvement

This is the third in a multi-part series on process improvement written by Polly Walker and Amy McKee.

The strategies and people side of sustained and meaningful process improvement will be the focus and we welcome your feedback about this series.

By Polly Walker

In previous articles, we have covered the “D- Define” step of DMAIC approach and the people strategies associated with that step. This week we will provide some high-level activities that should occur during the “M- Measure and A – Analyze” steps of a process improvement project.

STEP TWO: MEASURE

1. Gather current data/trends for performance metrics for the process. If there are no metrics identified, work with the department and workgroup to develop/identify pertinent process performance metrics and ongoing tracking/reporting mechanisms.

2. Chart the as-is workflow.

STEP THREE: ANALYZE

3. Utilize the “as-is workflow” and workgroup input to identify challenges, wastes and bottlenecks using the LEAN (and/or Six Sigma) methodology.

4. Utilize the most appropriate analytical tools (control charts, FMEA, etc.) to further analyze the process.

5. Use design principles, best practices and/or team insights to create recommendations to redesign the process and eliminate waste.