During the IMPROVE phase, the solution was piloted, and you made plans for a full-scale implementation. However, putting a solution in place can fix the problem for the moment, but the real work is in this phase. CONTROL is all about helping you make sure the problem stays corrected and that the new methods can be improved upon further over time.

The tools that are most commonly used in the Control phase are:

1. Control charts
2. Data Collection
3. Flow diagrams
4. Charts to compare the before and after, such as frequency plots, pareto charts, etc.
5. Quality Control Process Chart
6. Standardization

· Verify the results and validate that changes adhere to all operating and compliance policies.
· Document the new methods in such a way that people will find them easy to use, and provide training to everyone who will use the new methods.
· Monitor implementation and make regular course corrections.
· Summarize your learning and share them with co-workers involved in similar projects, with customers, and with managers who need to know the final outcome.
· Think about what should be taken on next in the process to further improve the sigma level(s).

You can use any type of flowchart that you want in the far left "Plan/Do" column (see chart below). Typically a deployment flowchart is used for an administrative or service process, and an activity flowchart is used for a manufacturing process. The key is to make sure you capture the essential steps of the process.

In manufacturing situations, the Check column will often describe any technical specifications that must be met or objectives that have to be attained. For administrative and service processes, the Check usually describes quality criteria that have been defined specifically for the process.

An important element of Control is to make sure that everyone is using the new process according to the tested methods. These are the methods that you know will produce the desired results, as a product of your efforts to get to the phase.

THE PLAN FOR DOING THE WORK

CHECKING THE WORK

Nothing happens on a reliable, sustained basis unless you build a system to cause it to happen on a consistent, reliable and sustained basis. Remember that.

Standardization

Standardization is what allows high quality to happen on a reliable, sustained basis. It is making sure that important elements of a process are performed consistently in the best possible way. Changes are made only when data show that a new alternative is better.

Uses of standard practices

· To reduce variation among individuals or groups (and so make process output more predictable).
· To provide "know-why" for operators and managers now on the job.
· To provide a basis for training new people
· To provide a trail for tracing problems
· To provide a means to capture and retain knowledge.
· To give direction in the case of unusual conditions.

CREATING STANDARD PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES