At the Analyze Phase, you study existing information to determine the relationship between the output and the potential input identified during the Measure Phase. In an interesting article, the Analyze Phase has five steps.
1. Develop a more detailed process map (that is, more detailed than the process map developed in the SIPOC analysis of the Define phase).
2. Construct operational definitions for each input or process variable (called Xs).
3. Perform a Gage R&R study on each X (test the adequacy of the measurement system).
4. Develop a baseline for each X.
5. Develop hypotheses between the Xs and Ys.
In other words, at this Phase you start gathering all your data ang getting down to improving your processes. The Ys are the output measures used to determine whether the CTQs are met. Team members prepare a detailed process map identifying and linking the Xs and Ys.
Below are the key concepts of the Six Sigma Analyze Phase.
ANALYSE – Key Steps:
- Identify Possible Causes
- Narrow to Root Causes
- Validate Root Causes
- Financially Quantify the Improvement Opportunity
- Analyse TollgateANALYSE
- Key Deliverables:
- Identified and Validated Root Causes of Variation in the Process
- Estimate of Potential Financial BenefitsANALYSE
- Core Tools:
- Affinity Diagram
- Hypothesis Tests
- Scatter Plots
- Brainstorming
- Non Parametric Comparisons
- Segmentation
- Cause & Effect Diagram
- Pareto Charts
- Stratification
- Control Charts
- Regression Analysis
- Sub-Process Maps
- Design of Experiments
- Sampling
- Frequency Plots
- Time Series Plots
DMAIC
Analyze Phase Quick Reference
