Measurement elements (DMAIC) and prioritization matrix

One of the main benefits of Lean Six Sigma is its demand for a fact-based and data-driven analytical approach. Most other improvement methodologies, including Lean, tend to attempt process improvement without enough data to understand the underlying causes of the problem.

The result is often many quick projects with disappointing or short-lived results. The combination of data with knowledge and experience is what separates true improvement from mere process modification.

One of the goals of the Measure phase is to identify the location or source of a problem as accurately as possible by building an objective understanding of existing process conditions. That knowledge helps you narrow down the range of possible causes that require investigation in the analysis phase. An important part of Measure is establishing a baseline capacity level.

The most used tools in the Measurement phase are:

– Prioritization Matrix

– Process cycle efficiency

– Time value analysis

– Pareto charts

– Control charts

– Running graphics

– Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

The prioritization matrix provides a way to rank a diverse set of items in an order of importance.

It also makes it possible to identify their relative importance by deriving a numerical value from the importance of each element. So an item with a score of 223 is clearly much more important than one with a score of 23, but not much more important than one with a score of 219. Items are compared, scored against a set of criteria key and the scores for each item are added up.