ABSTRACT
Step 9 is listed as “identify variation sources (problems)” on the dene, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) orientation map, but this chapter is titled “Identify Sources of Variation and Waste (Problems)” because of its content. ere is quite a bit in this chapter on value-added and non-valueadded activities that are pertinent to improving processes and satisfying your customer. ere is nothing inherently “varying” in doing unnecessary, unhelpful activities, but it is still a problem. Although we touched on a couple of the topics in this chapter in Chapter 9, we will probe a bit deeper here as they are now needed. is is a long chapter, but all its content relates to step 9.
