DMAIC Phase Gate Checklist

Chapter 14: DMAIC — A Structured Approach  |  Mastering Problem Solving Toolkit

Use this checklist at the end of each DMAIC phase. The champion / sponsor reviews deliverables and approves the team to proceed to the next phase. Do not advance until all boxes are checked.

 
 
 
D

DEFINE Phase Gate

Can we clearly define what problem we're solving?

Project charter signed by champion and team lead
Problem statement is specific, measurable, and fact-based
Goal statement is SMART with a clear baseline and target
Business case quantified (financial or customer impact)
Scope defined — in-scope and out-of-scope documented
Project team identified with roles and time commitments
SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) map completed
Voice of the Customer (VOC) data collected
Champion approval:  
Date:  
Decision: ☐ Proceed   ☐ Revise first
M

MEASURE Phase Gate

Do we have reliable data on how the process performs today?

Primary metric (Y) identified and operationally defined
Data collection plan created and executed
Measurement System Analysis (MSA/Gage R&R) performed — system is acceptable
Baseline performance quantified with data (not estimates)
Process capability calculated (Cp, Cpk or defect rate)
Process map / flow chart of current state created
Data stratified to identify patterns (time, shift, machine, operator)
Champion approval:  
Date:  
Decision: ☐ Proceed   ☐ Revise first
A

ANALYZE Phase Gate

Do we know what is causing the problem?

Root causes identified and validated with data
Root causes linked back to problem statement
Fishbone / 5 Whys / regression / hypothesis testing completed
Vital few inputs (Xs) verified statistically or with controlled tests
Team agrees on the confirmed root cause(s)
Root cause not just a symptom — it is actionable and controllable
Champion approval:  
Date:  
Decision: ☐ Proceed   ☐ Revise first
I

IMPROVE Phase Gate

Have we tested a solution that actually works?

Multiple solution options generated (brainstorming / SCAMPER)
Best solution selected using Decision Matrix or equivalent tool
Pilot / trial conducted on a small scale first
Pilot results show measurable improvement vs. baseline
Risk / FMEA analysis done on the new solution
Roll-out plan created for full implementation
Training plan for affected staff identified
Champion approval:  
Date:  
Decision: ☐ Proceed   ☐ Revise first
C

CONTROL Phase Gate — Project Closure

Will the improvement be sustained after the project ends?

Control plan documented and handed to process owner
SOPs / work instructions updated and approved
Training completed and documented for all affected staff
Process owner formally accepted responsibility for control plan
Monitoring / SPC chart implemented with response plan
Financial benefits validated by Finance
30/60/90-day follow-up review schedule set
Lessons learned documented and shared
Team recognition completed
Champion approval:  
Date closed:  
Decision: ☐ Closed   ☐ Follow-up needed
Mastering Problem Solving Toolkit  |  EbbyDog Design  |  Chapter 14