DMAIC is the backbone of Lean Six Sigma improvement projects. Here's exactly what it means, how each phase works, and how to use it — with a free template to get started.
DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control — a five-phase structured method for solving business problems and improving processes.
It was developed as part of Six Sigma methodology in the 1980s and has since become the most widely used process improvement framework in the world, from manufacturing to healthcare to financial services.
DMAIC is the right tool when you have a recurring problem that you don't fully understand the cause of yet. If you already know the solution, you don't need DMAIC — you just need an action plan.
Use DMAIC when:
You don't need to be a Black Belt to run a DMAIC project. Start small — pick a process you know well and a problem you can measure.
SimplicityHub has free templates for every stage of DMAIC — from project charter to control plan.
Browse All DMAIC Templates →