Level 4 – Capable processes

In CIMM Level 4, the focus shifts to reducing process variation and improving process capability.

With DMAIC, Six Sigma and Predictive Analytics, Symbol helps organisations solve complex quality problems, demonstrably improve performance and make processes more capable.

Determine where your organisation stands

Why capable processes are the next step

In the first three CIMM levels, workplaces have been organised, improvement structures established and processes made more stable and predictable. CIMM Level 4 builds on this by further reducing process variation and demonstrably improving performance.

This level focuses on complex quality problems that cannot be solved with simple improvement actions. Using Six Sigma, statistical analyses and the DMAIC approach, causes of variation are investigated and structural improvements are implemented.

Capable processes deliver consistently within customer and product specifications. This requires reliable data and a sound measurement system. Furthermore, it is important that Green and Black Belts possess knowledge of not only Lean, but also Six Sigma.

When variation decreases, capability (Cpk) increases. The result is fewer errors and rejects and higher predictability.

The three building blocks of capable processes

Capable processes arise when organisations analyse complex problems in a data-driven manner, reduce process variation and can better predict future performance. Within CIMM Level 4, three building blocks are central.

DMAIC Breakthrough Projects

DMAIC projects are used to structurally analyse and solve complex process problems. Through the phases of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control, causes of problems are identified and improvements are systematically implemented. Processes become more stable, performance improves and structural quality problems are resolved sustainably.

View DMAIC projects

Six Sigma variation reduction

Six Sigma focuses on reducing variation in processes to achieve consistent quality. Using statistical analyses, process capability and data-driven decision-making, causes of deviations are determined and processes are improved.

Processes deliver more predictable performance with fewer errors, lower scrap rates and higher customer satisfaction.

View Six Sigma variation reduction

Predictive Analytics

Predictive Analytics uses historical and current data to predict future process performance. With statistical models and machine learning, organisations can recognise trends and signal problems at an early stage. Organisations can proactively manage performance and prevent problems before they impact quality or processes.

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The foundation for data-driven process control

Capable processes form the foundation for further maturity in process control. When variation is transparent, causes of deviations are known and improvements are supported by data, greater control over process performance is achieved.

CIMM Level 4 helps organisations not only to improve reactively, but also to manage quality, reliability and process capability in a data-driven way. As a result, improvements become measurable, reproducible and easier to secure.

When this foundation functions well, the organisation can grow towards CIMM Level 5. There, the focus shifts to strategic and organisation-wide improvement.

View CIMM - Level 5

Where does your organisation stand?

Not every process is yet stable, predictable or capable enough to structurally meet customer and product specifications. With the CIMM assessment, we map out where variation arises, which quality problems have priority and which projects have the most impact.

This creates a targeted development route towards capable processes, better performance and sustainable quality improvement.

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