MEDIC is very similar to DMAIC but is worth knowing about for those interested in reaching Sigma-levels for their business.

Overview: What is MEDIC?

MEDIC is an acronym for a particular process improvement procedure. It stands for Map+Measure, Explore+Evaluate, Define+Describe, Implement+Improve, Control+Conform.

3 benefits of MEDIC

Here are some major benefits of MEDIC and process improvement procedures:

1. Automation of tedious or menial tasks

One benefit of utilizing a process improvement procedure is that tasks that are considered menial or tedious can be automated to allow for greater process efficiency.

2. Minimize non-value activities

A major benefit of a process improvement procedure is that non-value activities can be minimized, thereby eliminating waste.

3. Cost management

Implementing a process improvement procedure like MEDIC can be a great way to manage costs.

Why is MEDIC important to understand?

Understanding MEDIC is important for the following reasons:

1. You should know more than one process improvement procedure

If you are only familiar with DMAIC, having a fundamental understanding of MEDIC can give you a leg up as a team leader.

2. Identifying and eliminating weaknesses

Understanding MEDIC is important because it gives you another tool that can assist in identifying and eliminating weaknesses in your processes.

3. Employee satisfaction

Knowing MEDIC and how to implement it can give you happier employees that are more satisfied with their jobs, thereby increasing productivity.

An industry example of MEDIC

A manufacturing plant is trying to improve its processes. A team is put together to determine how to go about doing this. The team leader suggests MEDIC as a process improvement procedure.

The team first maps out their current process. They then explore and evaluate where improvements could be made. Next, they describe and define just what improvements they will work on. Next, they go ahead and implement the changes and then try to see if there are any areas to improve the changes they are making. Finally, they make sure that the changes are controlled so that processes do not revert back to how they were before.

3 best practices when thinking about MEDIC

Here are some practices to consider when thinking about MEDIC and other process improvement procedures:

1. Recognize

The first key to process improvement is to recognize where there is indeed improvement that is needed.

2. Improvement is necessary

Remember that improvement is necessary. Striving for improvement helps make sure that you are doing things as efficiently, effectively, and in the most productive manner possible.

3. If you are familiar with DMAIC, the steps in MEDIC should be easy.

There is a lot of crossover between DMAIC and MEDIC, so if you are familiar with one, the other should be easy to pick up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about MEDIC

1. What is better, DMAIC or MEDIC?

It is not really a question of which is better, but you are more likely to regularly encounter DMAIC.

2. What does the last step of MEDIC mean?

To Control + Conform means to control the new process and to make it conform with other existing processes. The key here is to keep things from reverting.

3. What does it mean to Map + Measure?

This means mapping out and measuring your current processes to see if it appears that there is an area for improvement.

MEDIC is another useful process improvement procedure.

If you are a team leader, having as many tools available as possible can be a contributing factor to your team’s success. MEDIC provides you with a process improvement procedure that is similar enough to DMAIC that it should be easily understandable.