A Lean Six Sigma project divides work into five phases: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control.
This article discusses the activities of the second phase, Measure. During this phase, we develop a thorough understanding of what the customer wants. We also focus on the information required and ensure that we have a way to obtain it if it is not already available.
The main steps of the Measure phase are listed below (steps 5 through 8 belong to the Measure phase):
Step 5. Define the Critical-to-Quality Characteristics (CTQs)
Step 6. Establish performance standards
Step 7. Develop the data collection plan
Step 8. Validate the measurement system.
Like the Define phase, the Measure phase has deliverables associated with its four steps:
- Detail the customer’s critical-to-quality characteristics (CTQs), also known as upper-case Y. Lower-case y represents the process or processes that strongly affect the customer’s CTQ.
- Establish a performance standard for upper-case Y.
- Create a detailed process map
- Define the defect by reviewing customer requirements and competitors
- Validate that the defect definition can be measured by verifying the data source
- Begin data collection.
- Validate the accuracy and reliability of the collected data.
These Measure phase deliverables help build a clearer understanding of the project.
Related Links:
Lean Six Sigma Project Roadmap; Phase 2—Measure
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