Measure current performance.

Analyze the current performance.

Improve performance.

I

D

M

A

I

C

Define the problem to be solved.

Improve phase

A3

Improve

Revise A3

Control

Improve I

DMAIC/A3 cycle

How can we move closer to

our target?

What are some ways to resolve

these issues?

A3 I

Think about the causes you have found

5. Develop a Solution:

What outcomes should we achieve?

How can we test our

ideas?

A3 I

Think about how you can verify your solutions

6. Test the Solution:

IImprove

Improve PhaseSteps:

1. Develop a solution2. Make a plan to put

the solution in place3. Envision how the

solution will look throughout the process

4. Verify that stakeholder needs are met

5. Implement the solution

Tools:• ✔ Benchmarking• Implementation Plan• Stakeholder Analysis• ✔ Future State Map

• What root causes can we fix?

• How can we fix those causes in permanent, not short-term, ways?

• Which solutions are economical and feasible?

• Can we implement this in a reasonable timeframe with available resources?

• Which will improve key performance indicators?

ISolve

Develop a Solution

Consider:

Develop a solution

ISolve

Develop a Solution

If you are missing key skills, recruit new

members to complete your Implementation

Team

Now that you have a solution, verify that your team has all of the skills

you need.

Implementation Team

• Check that your solution will in fact resolve your problem!

• Find a small-scale opportunity for a test run.

• Verify that there are no negative repercussions from the change.

• Use people from outside the team whenever possible.

ISolve

Develop a Solution

Testing

IImprove

Improve PhaseSteps:

1. ✔Develop a solution2. Make a plan to put

the solution in place3. Envision how the

solution will look throughout the process

4. Verify that stakeholder needs are met

5. Implement the solution

Tools:• ✔ Benchmarking• Implementation Plan• Future State Map• ✔ Stakeholder

Analysis

What resources

do we need?

Who’s cooperation do we need?

A3 I

Think about putting your solutions in place

7. Plan Steps for Completion:

When do we need this?

ISolve

Who will be on the implementation team?What exactly will this step involve?When will the change take place?What is the expected outcome of this step?

Implementation Plan

IImprove

Improve PhaseSteps:

1. ✔Develop a solution2. ✔Make a plan to put

the solution in place3. Envision how the

solution will look throughout the process

4. Verify that stakeholder needs are met

5. Implement the solution

Tools:• ✔ Benchmarking• ✔Implementation Plan• Future State Map• ✔ Stakeholder

Analysis

I

Tool: Future State Map

Purpose: Visualize how the process will function after the solution is put in place.

This gives you a reference point against which to compare real changes and a way to assess how well the solution works.

Envision

I

Example (generic)

Envision

I

Example (specific)

Envision

IImprove

Improve PhaseSteps:

1. ✔Develop a solution2. ✔Make a plan to put

the solution in place3. ✔Envision how the

solution will look throughout the process

4. Verify that stakeholder needs are met

5. Implement the solution

Tools:• ✔ Benchmarking• ✔Implementation Plan• ✔Future State Map• ✔ Stakeholder

Analysis

Stakeholder

Analysis

IImprove

With a clear idea of what the process will

become, we can consider whether

the solution meets the needs of

everyone involved.

Consult your stakeholders as necessaryMeet stakeholder

needs

IImprove

Improve PhaseSteps:

1. ✔Develop a solution2. ✔Make a plan to put

the solution in place3. ✔Envision how the

solution will look throughout the process

4. ✔Verify that stakeholder needs are met

5. Implement the solution

Tools:• ✔ Benchmarking• ✔Implementation Plan• ✔Future State Map• ✔ Stakeholder

Analysis

Implementation

IImprove

Implement the solution

Determine whether the solution is

meeting your goals

Adjust to account for

missed detailsDraft a new

Current State Map for

referenceCurrent state map

IImprove

Improve PhaseSteps:

1. ✔Develop a solution2. ✔Make a plan to put

the solution in place3. ✔Envision how the

solution will look throughout the process

4. ✔Verify that stakeholder needs are met

5. ✔Implement the solution

Tools:• ✔ Benchmarking• ✔Implementation Plan• ✔Future State Map• ✔Stakeholder Analysis

Now revise the A3 Develop a Solution

A3 I

Develop a Solution, Example

A3 I

5. Develop a Solution:

Specific changes addressing root cause: Charge a fee to receive a check; implement a policy stating we will pay vendors in 30 days.

Steps to get closer to target: identify the top dollar vendors and work towards capturing discounts from the top 10 initially.

Revise the A3 Test the Solution

A3 I

Test the Solution, Example

A3 I

6. Test the Solution:

We are assuming vendors want to be paid quickly. Once the system is set up to pay vendors in 30 days, we will take a sample to determine whether they will accept the discount.

Clemson is still in the process of determining how best to charge a fee for writing checks. Some technical difficulties need to be resolved.

Revise the A3 Plan Steps for Completion

A3 I

7. Plan Steps for Completion:.

Plan Steps for Completion, Example

A3 I

What Who When OutcomeCommunicate the need to import invoices in a timely manner

 Procurement  ASAP Ability to pay vendor in specified time

Establish system to pay vendor in 30 days

Procurement ASAP Systems has been established to pay 30 days from receipt

Update I

Revisit, Verify, UpdateRevisit and Verify:• At the end of every

phase, review your:– Project Charter

– Stakeholder Analysis Tool

– Communication Plan

• Check that you are on track!

Update:• Every quarter you will

receive an email from the Lean Office asking for your updated Project Charter to be submitted to the Board of Trustees

• Modify your plans as circumstances and developments require

Remember to communicate and engage

• Develop a solution that is feasible and effective.

• Make a plan to implement it, establishing who, what, and when for each step.

• Verify that it works while meeting stakeholder needs.

• Implement, verify, adjust, and document.

Key Lessons

IImprove

Major Take Aways: