What is the goal of the 'Measure' step in DMAIC?

The goal of the 'Measure' step in DMAIC is to collect data from processes. This step is crucial because it establishes a baseline for current performance and provides the quantitative evidence needed to identify areas for improvement. By gathering data, teams can understand how processes are currently functioning and pinpoint specific aspects that may require attention. This data collection not only highlights existing issues but also sets the stage for future analysis and problem-solving.

Other steps in the DMAIC framework focus on different aspects of process improvement. For instance, analyzing underlying issues and identifying customer needs are part of the 'Analyze' step, which comes after data collection. Implementing necessary changes occurs in the 'Improve' step, where solutions are developed based on the findings from the 'Measure' and 'Analyze' phases. Thus, the emphasis in the 'Measure' step is distinctly on the collection of data to give insights into the current state of the process.