* Define the problem, the customer’s voice, and the specific objectives of the project.
* Measure key aspects of the current process and collect relevant data.
* Analyze the data to investigate and verify cause-and-effect relationship. Decide what to do, and strive to ensure that all factors have been considered. Finding the root cause of the defect under investigation.
* Improve or optimize the current process based on data analysis using techniques such as design of experiments, poka yoke or mistake proofing, and standard work to create a new, future state process.
* Control the process of determining the future to ensure that any irregularities have been corrected before they result in defects. Control systems are implemented such as statistical process control, production boards, and visual workplaces and the process is continuously monitored.