DMAIC Checklist – Best Practices Online Tools & Templates

The DMAIC methodology is one of the central components of the Six Sigma set of processes. DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. The DMAIC methodology is an important tool for guiding better problem solving which leads to product and process improvement. The DMAIC Checklist helps guide leaders to complete the DMAIC process.

DMAIC is part of the Six Sigma set of combined tools and methodologies. The DMAIC Checklist reminds business leaders to drill down into the five elements of DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. Each of these phases must be completed by taking action on specific sub-steps in a particular order in order to get the most out of the DMAIC methodology. 

Here is an overview of each of the five steps and their related checklist actions (as well as one Introduction step): 

Introduction – Before jumping in… 

• Conduct an 8 Wastes Assessment
• Find one improvement opportunity (minimum) to streamline an existing process 
• Identify a Project Sponsor to support you and the project
• Review the DMAIC Roadmap structure

Define – In the Define phase, leaders define project goals and customer deliverables. 

• Create a Project Charter
• Gather Voice of the Customer (VoC) data 
• Conduct a Process (Gemba) Walk
• Create detailed process map (use SIPOC Template)

Measure – In this phase, leaders must continuously measure what is being done to determine overall progress and current level of performance. 

• Identify baseline measurements and metrics
• Form data collection plan to gather raw data
• Collect baseline data

Analyze – In the Analyze phase, leaders must determine the root cause of a specific problem or defect. 

• Identify potential root causes to the problem by using Process Analysis, Data Analysis, Fishbone Diagrams, 5 Whys, etc.
• Form root cause hypotheses
• Gather more data and assess all facts

Improve – In the Improve phase, the organization and the leaders within the organization seek to eliminate defects and reduce errors in a process or system in order to streamline. 

• Facilitate team brainstorming to identify potential solutions
• Select and develop best improvements
• Create pilot solutions to test
• Implement solutions to address root problems
• Verify that solutions improved the overall process 

Control – The Control phase of the DMAIC Checklist takes into consideration all of the analysis and improvement conducted previously and calls for the development of procedures and controls to ensure that improvement is sustained over time. 

• Create a system or process to continuously monitor results
• Complete documentation of the procedures
• Develop response plans to address drops in performance
• Hand over ownership to process owner

The tools business leaders use to guide their teams through the steps for using the DMAIC Checklist include fishbone diagrams, project charters, and process mapping, which are then used for regular reviews of progress.

Unlike most traditional DMAIC Checklist processes, upBOARD’s online DMAIC Checklist tools allow any team or organization to instantly begin working with our web templates and input forms. Our digital platform goes far beyond other software tools by including progress dashboards, data integration from existing documents or other SaaS software, elegant intuitive designs, and full access on any desktop or mobile device.

Learn more about upBOARD’s full portfolio of online digital best practice tools and templates for specific topics, including business strategy, marketing, human resources, operations, innovation, project management, change management, and software development.

Learn more about upBOARD’s portfolio of other business strategy best practice tools and templates, including:

2 X 2 Matrix, ADL Matrix, Affinity Diagrams, Baker’s 4 Strategies of Influence, Balanced Scorecard, Benchmarking, Blue Ocean Strategy, Bowman Strategy Clock, Build-Measure-Learn Feedback Loop, Business Model Canvas, CAGE Distance Framework, Competitive Analysis, Competitive Landscape Analysis, Contingency Planning, Core Competence Analysis, Critical Success Factors, Discovery Driven Planning, Economic Value Added, First Mover Advantage, Five Forces Model, Force Field Analysis, Gap Analysis, GE McKinsey 9-Box Matrix, Go To Market Strategy, Hambrick & Frederickson’s Strategy Diamond, Hedgehog Model, Hook Model of Behavioral Design, Hoshin Planning System, Kay’s Distinctive Capabilities Framework, Key Outcome Indicators, Kotler’s Five Product Levels Model, Kotler’s Pricing Strategies, Lafley & Martin’s Five Step Strategy Model, McKinsey 7S Model, McKinsey’s Seven Degrees of Freedom for Growth, Mergers & Acquisitions, Mission Statements, Mullin’s Seven Domains Model, OGSM Framework, Ohmae’s 3-C’s Model, Partner Relationship Management, PEST Analysis, PESTLE Analysis, Porter’s Diamond, Portfolio Management, Purpose Statements, Pyramid of Purpose, Scenario Planning, Simonson & Rosen’s Influence Mix, SMART Performance Metrics, SMARTER Goals, SOAR, Strategic Goals, Strategy Map, Strategy Roadmap, Strategy Uncertainty Map, SWOT Analysis, TOWS Matrix, Triple Bottom Line, USP Analysis, Value Chain Analysis, Value Disciplines Model, Value Net Model, Values Statement, Vision Statements, VRIO Analysis, and Weisbord’s Six-Box Model.