Published 31 Jan 2023
What is a DMAIC Template?
A DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) template is a tool used to systematically tackle deficiencies in existing practices and strategize process improvement initiatives. It follows the five-step structure of the DMAIC method as a best practice for Six Sigma practitioners. This document is ideal for enhancing underperforming products, services, and systems in sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare.
DMAIC Template
This DMAIC template allows Six Sigma professionals, project managers, and other project stakeholders to perform DMAIC studies for enhancing products and processes. Use this tool to delve deeper into the roots of the existing problems and develop appropriate solutions to resolve them. Fill out this template following these five steps:
- Define the goals of the project and their corresponding deliverables.
- Measure the current performance against quantifiable benchmarks.
- Analyze collected data to determine the root cause of the problem.
- Improve the process, system, or design by reviewing possible steps to address inadequacies.
- Control and keep track of the process or system in place.
In this article
- Benefits
- Components
- Example of a DMAIC Template
- FAQs about DMAIC Templates
- Utilizing DMAIC Templates for Process Improvement with SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)
- Free DMAIC Templates
Benefits
The DMAIC method takes a data-driven angle to process and product improvement. Using a systematic approach, they can implement targeted solutions for resolving issues down to their roots. However, drafting DMAIC reports from scratch can take time to complete.
Enter the DMAIC template, a more streamlined route to carrying out the DMAIC method. Having a ready-made template allows Six Sigma practitioners to gather data in an efficient manner, as they only need to fill out the form in the order it’s structured. They no longer need to create reports from the beginning, for they can save this template on their device for future use.
By simplifying the paperwork side of things using a DMAIC template, Six Sigma professionals can focus their efforts on applying DMAIC effectively.
Components
The DMAIC template consists of five components representing the phases of the DMAIC model: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. This section explores each of these phases as follows:
Define
The first element in a DMAIC template calls for the project goals. In this section, you must specify the primary objective or problem of the DMAIC study in detail. Here are some guide questions to help you answer this portion effectively.
- What goal are you aiming to achieve? / What issue are you trying to address?
- Why is it important?
- What are its corresponding customer deliverables (both internal and external)?
Measure
After determining the main goal or issue, it’s also essential to include quantifiable metrics in obtaining the data you need. Consider the following guide questions when establishing benchmarks for your DMAIC report:
- Is there a data collection plan for quantifying the problem?
- Is the current performance of the process determined through measurable targets?
- On what basis can you determine if the data collection plan is successful?
- What outcomes are you looking for in the process?
Analyze
The analysis component adds another layer to your DMAIC process template. In this portion, you will investigate the roots of the problem and categorize possible causes or key processes into different priority levels.
A sound DMAIC analysis follows the set of questions listed below:
- What are the performance objectives?
- What are the steps that add or provide no value to the process?
- Why did the issue happen?
- How does it impact the process outcomes?
- What are the primary root causes of the problem?
Improve
This component explains the possible courses of action to enhance underperforming processes or products. In this part, you will implement potential solutions based on the data you’ve gathered and analyzed in the previous section.
The following guide questions will steer you in the right direction while testing and setting out improvement measures:
- What solutions can you implement to resolve the issue?
- Are operating tolerances of the potential system well-defined?
- Were design experiments performed?
- Were potential improvements validated through pilot studies?
- Were potential solutions assessed and re-evaluated?
Control
The DMAIC process doesn’t end after selecting the most viable solution for the goal or issue. There must also be a system to keep track of and maintain these enhanced processes in the long run. Here are some questions to guide you in monitoring your improvement initiatives:
- What is the monitoring and control system in place?
- Was the statistical process control applied?
- How will the handoff to the process owner proceed?
- Were benefits, cost savings/avoidance, and profit growth verified?
Example of a DMAIC Template
The image below illustrates how a DMAIC template works as a data-driven process improvement tool.
In this example, the company investigates the reason for the increasing costs in three of its branches. Through this template, they can map out the problem, determine its root cause, and implement solutions to reduce their expenses.
FAQs about DMAIC Templates
Yes, the DMAIC process is primarily used for enhancing systems and practices under the Six Sigma framework. However, you can also use this tool on its own or with other process improvement methodologies like Lean.
Organizations implementing the Six Sigma methodology can benefit from using a DMAIC template. This tool is especially helpful for industries requiring consistent and high-quality results, such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, education, and professional services.
- Define the project goals and list their expected outputs.
- Lay down quantifiable benchmarks for data collection.
- Write down the possible root causes of the problem.
- List feasible solutions and note your observations during the testing stage.
- Verify the results of the test and monitor its effectiveness.
- Provide additional remarks not included in any of the previous sections.
- Affix your name and signature as proof of completion.
Utilizing DMAIC Templates for Process Improvement with SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)
SafetyCulture is a comprehensive operations platform for improving organizational processes, systems, and practices. This mobile-first software includes functionalities for optimizing Six Sigma tools such as DMAIC, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis, thereby streamlining the groundwork for project managers and Six Sigma professionals.
Organizations can use the following SafetyCulture features to enhance their current practices:
- Standardize DMAIC analyses using ready-made templates from the Public Library.
- Generate custom DMAIC reports to Web, PDF, Word, and CSV formats.
- Access and store completed templates in a secure cloud-based document repository.
- Analyze recurring trends and detect inefficient processes through an intuitive dashboard.
- Proactively resolve process-related issues using the Actions feature.
- Export collected data to existing applications such as Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
- Utilize the data collected on your existing platforms through integration.
Free DMAIC Templates
Root Cause Analysis Template
Use this template in the Analyze phase of the DMAIC cycle to investigate recurring issues and address their root cause. Start by describing the problem and its impact. Then, list possible reasons why the issue happened, determine the root cause, and attach media (photo/video) for verification. Recommend preventive actions and establish intervention strategies before signing off the RCA template with digital signatures.
5 Whys Template
This template is a useful tool for determining the primary causes of process defects in the Analyze phase of DMAIC. Start with a clear statement of the problem and continue answering why the problem occurred until you reach its roots. Then, provide a solution to the root cause of the issue and create action items for immediate response.
Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA) Template
Use this template to Define and Analyze potential deficiencies in a product, service, process, or system and prevent their adverse effects. Begin by describing the process function and determine its potential modes of failure. Next, rate each mode’s severity and impact, and identify their Risk Priority Number (RPN). Create and complete corrective actions and validate the FMEA with digital signatures.
SafetyCulture Content Specialist
Leizel Estrellas
