Lean Six Sigma, 3rd Edition

Chapter 12 Control

DOI: 10.4324/9781003397649-14

$$\text{Define}\to \text{Measure}\to \text{Analyze}\to \text{Improve}\to \mathbf{\text{CONTROL}}$$

An improvement must be shown and documented to enter the Control Phase. However, the project still needs to be completed. Close-out activities are performed in the Control Phase. Also, the Control Phase shows a plan to sustain the process improvement. Despite its importance, it is sometimes given less attention than the other steps.

Although Control is often overlooked, it is an essential step in the DMAIC process. It is the last step, but it is the key to ensuring that the improvements made in the previous steps are sustainable. The purpose of the Control step is to monitor and maintain the gains made during the Define, Measure, Analyze, and Improve Phases. ...