specialized training and 

process improvement solutions

DMAIC

A data-driven quality strategy used for:

  • Improving processes
  • Is an integral part of Six Sigma Methodology 

The acronym DMAIC stands for: 

  • Define
  • Measure
  • Analyze
  • Improve
  • Control

Each representing a phase in the process improvement cycle

Define

Identify:

  • The problem or project goals
  • Establish the project scope
  • Define the customer requirements.

This phase involves:

  • Creating a project charter
  • Identifying key stakeholders

Measure

Work with a team to understand:

  • The process flow
  • Identify root causes
  • Collect relevant data to understand the current process performance This phase involves:
  • Developing a data collection plan
  • Identifying key process metrics
  • Evaluating measurement systems
  • Establishing baseline performance levels

Anaylze

Examine the collected data to identify:

  • Root causes of problems or inefficiencies

 This phase involves:

  • Using hypothesis testing and process mapping tools to uncover patterns and pinpoint areas for improvement

improve

Address the root causes identified in the ANALYZE phase and provide solutions to the process by:

  • Developing 
  • Testing
  • To finally Implementing solutions

This phase involves:

  • Brainstorming potential solutions
  • Piloting changes
  • Refining them based on feedback and results

Control

Ensure that the improvements are sustained over time.

This phase involves:

  • Implementing control systems
  • Standardizing processes
  • Training employees
  • Continuously monitoring performance to prevent regression

understand lean & six sigma at the highest level

lean & six Sigma

Lean Methodology centers on the principle that waste, defined as any activity that does not add value from the customer's perspective, inherently increases cycle time. By meticulously identifying and eliminating these non-value-added activities, organizations can streamline their processes, thereby reducing cycle time and improving overall efficiency. This approach not only accelerates production and delivery but also enhances quality and customer satisfaction. The reduction of waste in its various forms—such as defects, overproduction, waiting, and excess motion—directly correlates with shorter cycle times, enabling companies to respond more swiftly to market demands and maintain a competitive edge.


Six Sigma Problem Solving Methodology is grounded in the principle that variation within processes is the primary cause of defects. By rigorously analyzing and controlling this variation, Six Sigma aims to reduce the occurrence of defects and enhance the quality of outputs. The methodology employs a data-driven approach, utilizing statistical tools and techniques to identify root causes of variation and implement solutions to minimize them. This systematic process not only improves product and service consistency but also leads to increased customer satisfaction and reduced costs. By focusing on reducing variability, Six Sigma helps organizations achieve higher levels of precision and reliability in their operations, driving continuous improvement and excellence.


The union of Lean Methodology & Six Sigma Problem Solving Methodology under the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) framework creates a powerful, synergistic approach to process improvement. DMAIC provides a structured, data-driven roadmap that guides the integration of Lean's waste elimination and Six Sigma's variation reduction principles. During the Define phase, project goals and customer requirements are clearly outlined. In the Measure phase, critical data is collected to establish baselines. The Analyze phase identifies root causes of inefficiencies and defects. The Improve phase implements solutions that eliminate waste and reduce variation, and the Control phase ensures these improvements are sustained over time. This combined approach maximizes efficiency, enhances quality, and drives continuous improvement across all aspects of an organization’s operations.


Training: Offering a comprehensive suite of training programs meticulously tailored to meet the specific needs of diverse audiences and industries. Our extensive experience spans:

  •  Continuous and discrete manufacturing sectors
  • Medical and life sciences
  • Supply chain 
  • Various transactional service industries 

This breadth of expertise allows us to deliver highly relevant and effective training, empowering our clients to develop skills aimed at enhancing processes and establishing operational excellence within their respective work environments.


Coaching:  A successful process improvement initiative hinges on three essential elements:

  • Assembling the right individuals
  • Identifying suitable projects
  • Defining the correct processes

The meticulous selection and effective management of these components are paramount yet challenging tasks. Personal coaching and mentoring play a pivotal role in mitigating potential errors and expediting the learning curve, ensuring smoother and more impactful progress. Incorporated into our online Green and Black Belt training programs, scheduled personal coaching is a keystone-ensuring that participants select the optimal tools, pose pertinent questions, and make informed project decisions that yield substantial improvement outcomes.


Master Black Belt for Hire:  Response to situations where immediate results are crucial, delays due to time or resource constraints that can lead to stagnation and exacerbation of the problem are solved by our rapid on-site deployment of Master Black Belts. This guarantees prompt resolution, utilizing a diverse array of specialized tools carefully tailored to effectively tackle your unique challenges.


Process improvement solutions

About The Athon Group

The Athon Group is a premier provider of innovative process improvement solutions, specializing in Lean Enterprise and SIx SIgma methodologies. We continue to successfully assist clients in identifying and resolving process inefficiencies, resulting in significant enhancements in process capability, order-to-remit cycle times, and customer satisfaction. These improvements lead to substantial reductions in lead time, operational expenses and cost of goods sold, with increases in gross revenues, all of which ultimately boosts net margins. Check into our Training, Coaching, and Master Black Blet for Hire options to have your company reach its full potential.

LEARN FROM the best

Our master black belts

jim athon

Master Black Belt

David athon

Master Black Belt

FAQ

Certified trained Black Belts are among the most highly sought-after and well-compensated professionals across many companies. They possess diverse training in problem-solving that drives process optimization and maximizes productivity.

No prior training is required. An understanding of how processes work and analytical skills is recommended. 

Profitability is crucial for every company. Lean Six Sigma training equips you with the skills to identify problems and implement solutions that reduce cost and cycle time, improving the standard of excellence in your business.

Training is conducted live online via the Zoom platform, utilizing Canvas as the learning management system for homework submission, discussion boards and testing. The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training is an 11 week course scheduled once a week for four hours. In addition, a minimum of 3 private 30 minute coaching sessions are provided throughout the course