Business Process Re-engineeringStandard Methodology
DMAIC
AIA's application of the standard Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control process-improvement cycle to identify root causes of process inefficiency and prioritise recommendations for improvement.
What it is
The standard Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control process improvement cycle: clarify the problem, quantify it, understand root causes, generate and prioritise solutions, then embed control mechanisms for continuous improvement.
Problem it solves
Provides a disciplined, evidence-based path from a vaguely-felt process problem to a prioritised, implementable set of improvements.
When to use
- A gap analysis or process-improvement initiative needs a root-cause, evidence-based method rather than opinion-led fixes
Key questions
- Define: what is the problem to solve?
- Measure: what is the baseline and how is it quantified?
- Analyse: what are the root causes, backed by data?
- Improve: what is the most optimal, tested solution?
- Control: how will improvements be sustained (continuous improvement / Kaizen culture)?
Inputs
- Process performance data
- Stakeholder input on defects and customer impact
Steps
- 1DefineIdentify value-defining elements, hypothesise potential issues, determine scope and prioritise processes.
- 2MeasureDefine key measurable performance characteristics; ensure a suitable measurement system is in place; baseline performance.
- 3AnalyseAnalyse which inputs most affect critical outputs; identify possible causes of variation; determine root causes backed by data.
- 4ImproveIdentify, test and prioritise the most optimal solution(s) to address root causes.
- 5ControlImplement solutions and build mechanisms for continuous improvement (Kaizen culture).
Outputs
- Root-cause analysis
- Prioritised, actionable improvement recommendations
- Continuous improvement / control mechanism
Source visuals
DMAICprocess improvementroot cause analysisSix Sigmagap analysis
Related methodologies
Custodian: Corporate Support. Internal (staff access). Source: AIA_Methodologies_2024.pptx (slides 113, 114).