Analyze Phase of Six Sigma

The Analyze Phase of Six Sigma is the third phase of the DMAIC process.

It is the phase where the relationship between the variables and outputs are established and quantified. This relationship is often called the ‘transfer function’ and is represented as Y=f(X). Y is the output and is determined by the interaction of the inputs (the X’s.)

There are two main type of analysis conducted during the analyze phase of Six Sigma.

1. Data Analysis:

This is the number crunching part of the phase. It is generally focused on finding patterns and anomalies. It also looks for unexpected results and outliers.

2. Process Analysis:

This is the deep dive into the process steps of the topic under review. It provides context for the data. You will be looking at things like cycle time, the ratio of value added work, defects, and pretty much any other process-related factors you can think of.

Many of the core tools that are associated with Six Sigma will be done in this phase. This includes things like hypothesis testing, analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis, and the like.

You will also use a handful of process analysis tools that are used in Lean as well. These include histograms, Pareto charts, process flowcharts, fishbone diagrams, run charts, and the like.