Six Sigma provides a large range of tools and techniques that can be used within the Analyse phase. The challenge therefore, becomes knowing which tool to use when!
The phrases Process Door and Data Door are a useful way of dividing the Analyse phase up into two manageable sections, which is particularly useful in a training environment.
The Process Door refers to a selection of tools and techniques that help you to understand and gain clues directly from the process itself. It includes tools such as:
- Process mapping techniques
- Seven Wastes
- Measles charts
- Root cause analyse tools (brainstorming, fishbone diagrams, 5 whys)
- FMEA
Similarly, the Data Door refers to a selection of tools and techniques that help you to gain an understanding of the process from the data itself. It includes tools such as:
- Graphical Analysis tools (e.g histograms, Run Charts, Box plots, Scatter plots, Dot plots)
- Statistical Analysis tools (e.g confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, Normality testing)