Page 136 - The Six Sigma Project Planner

Chapter 4

Analyze

Analysis is the process of finding a solution to a problem. This involves two distinct steps:
1. Divergent thinking—to “cast a wide net” and include as many possible solution
candidates as one can.
2. Convergent thinking—to identify the best solution.

In the Analyze phase of the Six Sigma project cycle, you must quantify the existing
process to determine how best to achieve the process improvement goals. Tools and
techniques useful during the analyze phase include:
• Run charts

• Descriptive statistical analysis (central tendency, spread, distribution, outliers)
• Exploratory data analysis (box plot comparisons, stem-and-leaf)
• SIPOC (Supplier, Input, Process, Output, Customer)

• Analytic data analysis (time series, SPC)
• Data mining: analysis of information contained in the enterprise data warehouse
using automated or semi-automated means
• Process capability analysis
• Process yield analysis
• Scatter plots

• Correlation and regression analysis
• Categorical data analysis

• Nonparametric methods
Quantify the Current Process

Catalog of Data Sources for This Process

In executing Six Sigma projects, it is useful if everyone on the project team is aware of
existing data on the process being improved. It is helpful if the team members spend
some time compiling a list of these data sources, making knowledge of their existence
available to everyone. Without an information catalog, team members often discover
that they have wasted a great deal of time looking for or collecting information that
other team members had at their fingertips.

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