Sometimes it can be hard to make a decision. Especially when that decision will cause major changes to the status quo or cost a lot of money. So how do you know you’re making the right choice? One way is to use the proven Bastian Consulting 5-step methodology, DMADV, as your decision making process.

When we’re asked by our customers to help them make a decision about changes to their current operations, we always use our DMADV methodology. But what exactly is it? And why do we use it? And more importantly, does it actually work?

What is the 5-step decision making process?

DMADV is a 5 step methodology for solving problems, with each letter representing a step in the process.

D – DEFINE: The first step in making a decision or solving a problem is to define it. This first step is one of the most critical steps. You have to accurately and adequately define the constraints, the current operations, and the goals. If you spend the time upfront defining the requirements and constraints, you’ll be able to determine whether or not the solution/decision is the right one. Learn more about step 1. 

M – MEASURE: The second step in making a decision or solving a problem is to measure. In this case, we want to measure the current operations. By measuring the current operations, we’ll have something to compare our solution against. If the solution doesn’t improve the current operations, by providing increased capacity/throughput, improving efficiency, or improving safety for example, then it might not be the right choice. Learn more about step 2. 

A – ANALYZE: The third step in making a decision or solving a problem is to analyze the data. We gathered all the data in the previous step, but now we need to get it into a meaningful format. There are many different ways to analyze and format the data, but some of the typical things we look for in the data are things like order profiles, order types and patterns, seasonality, etc. Learn more about step 3.

D – DESIGN: The fourth step in making a decision or solving a problem is to design solutions. Now that we’ve collected and analyzed the data, we can start to design solutions. This can take on many different forms, such as creating warehouse layouts, conveyor layouts, or new processes to name a few. For the different solutions, we’ll put together budget pricing. Learn more about step 4.

V – VALIDATE: The final step in making a decision or solving a problem is to validate the preferred design option. Before you pull the trigger on the decision, you want to know if it’s going to actually solve the problem. To help validate the preferred option, we can run Excel simulations or even model the system in one of the simulation packages we use such as Demo 3D. If we create a simulation, you’ll be able to see your system and test different worse-case scenarios. Learn more about step 5.

Why do we use it? And does it work?

Now that you know what DMADV is, you might be wondering why we use it. By following these five steps each time we encounter a problem, we’re ensuring that we’ve fully identified the issues and our solutions will actually meet your needs and help solve the issues you’re having with your supply chain or warehouse. But, does it work? There’s a reason we call it our proven methodology.

We’ve used it in our engineering studies for years. Every time we use this methodology, we’re able to make an informed recommendation and help you make an informed decision. In the end, we answer the question – did you make the right decision? – with a yes.

Learn more about this process starting with step 1: defining the problem. 

Author: Marvin Logan