Methodology For

Problem Solving

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 LEAN SIX SIGMA
Six Sigma is a method developed in 1980’s by Motorola
Lean Six Sigma is a combination of tools, techniques and best practices from both
What It Is ?
Lean and Six Sigma philosophies with an objective to simultaneously improve both
Efficiency and Effectiveness of a process.

DMAIC is a data driven incremental process improvement methodology in the Six

Methodology Sigma philosophy.
It is acronym which stands for Define,Measure,Analyse,Improve,Control

Six Sigma approach is applicable to all process types.

It is based on acquisition of information through a statistical analysis of available
data and applying measurement and analysis tools systematically to provide
Application information on the effects of control and disruptive factors on the process result.
Actions aimed at achieving process improvements are derived from detected
relationships between process input(s) and output.
It focuses on customer requirements and business results.

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 Red X Methodology

Red X Methodology (or Shainin System) is a widely used method in the

manufacturing sector developed by Dorian Shainin (1914-2000)
What It Is ? It is a problem-solving methodology which states that for every problem there is a
prominent root cause (or a Red X). In order to solve the problem and get the
desired output (Green Y), the Red X must be eliminated.

Shainin approach follows a roadmap called as

Methodology
FACTUAL (Focus, Approach, Converge, Test, Understand, Apply and Leverage)

Shainin approach is used to improve product performance, product reliability and

process performance, hence mostly suitable for production problems.
It is based on the assumption that for every effect there is a dominant root-cause
Application and the fastest way to identify the root-cause is through a search using empirical
data and a progressive elimination process.
Customer expectations are involved indirectly by using Green Y limits.
The tool is supposed to be kept rigorously logical and statistically simple.

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 8D Methodology
8D (Eight Discipline) methodology has been propagated by Ford for automotive industry.
8D is a team oriented, structured problem-solving processes to correctly identify the cause of the
What It Is ?
problem, and to document all facts and actions implemented to prevent recurrence of the
problem.

D1 - Form the team.

D2 - Describe the problem.
D3 - Interim Containment Action
D4 - Root Cause Analysis
Methodology
D5 - Verify Permanent Corrective Action
D6 - Implement Permanent Corrective Action
D7 - Prevent Recurrence
D8 - Closure and Team Celebration

It is an easy to apply and structured method, which clearly shows the next steps of problem
solution.
8D might be the requirement from the customer in case of customer complaints. It’s possible to
Application
employ other problem solving methodologies in especially D2 and D4 steps as well.
8D is an excellent way of reporting nonconformances to suppliers and their corrective actions.
The method is known and used by all companies from the automotive industry.

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 PDCA Methodology
PDCA cycle - also known as the Deming Cycle - was named for the first time in the
1930s by Walter Shewhart
It is an iterative methodology used for continuous product and/or process
What It Is ?
improvements. It is specifically useful for testing improvements on a smaller scale
before full scale implementation. It is also known as Deming circle, Shewhart cycle and
PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act)

The four phases of a PDCA cycle are as follows,

Methodology
P - Plan ; D - Do ; C - Check ; A - Act

PDCA usage Could be,

Daily routine management-for the individual and/or the team
Project management
Continuous development
Application
Vendor development
Human resources development
New product development
Process trials

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