The control phase of DMAIC is by far the most important component but is often neglected. It is very common that after improvements are implemented, the process slowly recedes to its original state. The root cause of this is simply lack of metric monitoring. If you really made an improvement, any deviation would yield decline in value of the process.
What happens if a deviation is detected or the system begins to break down? Most businesses have very capable people that do not have any action plans. In order to adequately implement the control phase of DMAIC, action plans must be determined ahead of time. If there is a standard resolution to a foreseen problem, a minimal amount of resources will be required to return to the ideal state.
This is where standard work really becomes important. Of course everyone should be performing their function in a controlled manner but will everyone resolve issues the same (best) way? When everyone reacts to deviations in a uniform manner, there is a true state of control.
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