How to overcome Analysis-Paralysis in Lean Six Sigma?

We have established the fact that the Measure and Analyze phase of the DMAIC approach are the most challenging. LSS teams spend considerable time in these two phases. To overcome challenges of gathering and analyzing data, we must understand the purpose of the Measure and Analyze phases.

In the Measure phase, the LSS team is trying to establish the process map, baseline for the primary metric used in the project and the amount of process variation. Creating a process map requires the team to actually go see the process and create the map as they walk through the process steps.
Some popular tools for measuring baseline & process variation include:
Histogram, scatter diagram, trend chart for historical data, capability studies and gage R and R studies.

In the Analyze phase the LSS team is trying to determine root cause of the problem and validate it too. Fishbone diagram or Affinity diagram and Potential cause Prioritization matrix are the two tools for identifying root causes. Then comes root cause validation which requires establishing a hypothesis statement and choosing the appropriate statistical test for validating the hypothesis. Test the hypothesis with enough sample data. Most LSS teams struggle here.

The Green or Black Belt leading the LSS project has to ensure the team maintains focus on getting the required information using the necessary statistical tools.

What are some of the tools you have used to overcome analysis-paralysis in LSS projects?

Dangers of Analysis-Paralysis in Lean Six Sigma

Continuous improvement projects require teams to collect data and analyze it.
Lean Six Sigma method needs metrics and data to back up everything. Even the success of the LSS program is measured and tracked.

Sometimes Lean Six Sigma Green and Black belts analyze data more than needed. In LSS projects using the DMAIC approach the Measure phase is where hard data on the primary metric is collected. Preliminary data analysis begins in the Measure phase and continues into the Analyze phase where root causes are identified. Many LSS projects get stuck in the Measure or Analyze phase.

There are several reasons for this. Some of the key reasons are:
1. Data is hard to find/gather
2. There is too much or too little data
3. Incorrect data is collected
4. Green and Black belts over analyze the data
5. Preliminary data analysis does not reveal much so more data is collected

The Measure and Analyze phases of the DMAIC approach are most challenging. These phases take time and effort from the LSS team. The team needs to have the patience and persistance to get through these phases. The team leader (Green or Black belt) needs to get through the data collection and analysis portion efficiently/effectively. Without getting bogged down by data and not getting caught
in analysis-paralysis is the critical aspect to keep the project moving forward.

In our next blog post we will discuss the tools and techniques to overcome Analysis-Paralysis.

Have you experienced Analysis-Paralysis in an improvement project? How have you overcome it?