AC Way Continuous Improvement Framework
The AC Way framework is our methodology for approaching a continuous improvement project. We most often rely on an evolution of the DMAIC framework that is the problem solving approach for Lean Six Sigma, as seen in the table below.
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DEFINE | MEASURE | ANALYZE | IMPROVE | CONTROL |
Define the Problem | Understand the Problem | Investigate the Causes | Trial and Test Solutions |
Maintain the Solutions |
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We have an issue | We want to understand | We want to gain insights | We want to improve | We want our solutions to last |
Where should we focus? | How do we break it down? | How do we investigate it? | How do we make it happen? | How do we monitor and sustain? |
PROJECT CHARTERVOICE OF THE CUSTOMERSTAKEHOLDERS |
BASELINE + CURRENT STATEPROCESS MAPPING |
ROOT CAUSE ANALYSISVALIDATE CAUSES |
BRAINSTORM SOLUTIONSTEST, TRIAL + IMPLEMENTCHANGE MANAGEMENT |
30/60/90 FOLLOWUPMONITOR AND VALIDATECELEBRATE + CLOSE OUT |