DMAIC Cycle

The DMAIC cycle takes the DMAIC process one step further. It links the end of one project, the Control step, to the beginning of the next one (the Define step).

The rationale behind linking DMAIC cycles together makes a lot of sense. When controls are applied to processes, deviations become more apparent. After all, much of establishing controls involves measuring processes. Data starts to fill knowledge voids, providing new opportunities to continue the DMAIC cycle when previously unidentified problems become apparent.

Looking at DMAIC as an ongoing cycle also helps build the mindset that improvement is an everyday thing, rather than a series of unconnected, discrete projects.