Is DMAIC primarily used for improving an existing process or for developing a new one?

DMAIC, which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control, is a structured, data-driven problem-solving methodology that is primarily designed for improving existing processes. The framework provides a systematic approach to identify inefficiencies or defects within current workflows, quantifying issues with data, analyzing the root causes of problems, and implementing improvements before establishing controls to sustain those improvements over time.

While DMAIC is excellent for refining processes, it is not typically applied to the development of new processes—that role is better suited for methodologies like DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify), which focuses on designing new systems or processes. This differentiation underscores the primary function of DMAIC: its strength lies in enhancing and optimizing what already exists rather than initiating new processes from scratch. Thus, the focus on existing processes is what solidifies the choice as the best answer.