In Six Sigma, what does the term 'Control' focus on during the DMAIC process?

In the DMAIC process, which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control, the 'Control' phase is primarily focused on monitoring and maintaining improvements achieved during the project. This phase ensures that the gains made are sustainable over time and that the process does not revert to its previous, less efficient state.

During this phase, teams develop control plans, establish key performance indicators (KPIs), and implement monitoring systems to track the process continuously. This can include making adjustments as needed based on the monitoring results, ensuring that the improvements are maintained and that the desired outcomes continue to be met.

Monitoring and maintaining improvements is essential because without proper control mechanisms in place, there is a risk that the process might slip back into old habits or inefficiencies. This aspect of the DMAIC process is critical for achieving long-term success and customer satisfaction, as it fosters a proactive approach to managing processes rather than a reactive one.

The other options, while relevant to Six Sigma projects, do not capture the specific focus of the 'Control' phase as comprehensively as monitoring and maintaining improvements do. For instance, continuously improving customer satisfaction is more aligned with the overall goals of Six Sigma rather than a distinct focus of the Control phase. Documenting process changes