During which phase of the Six Sigma methodology do teams act on data to implement changes?

In the Six Sigma methodology, the phase where teams act on data to implement changes is the Improve phase. This phase focuses on identifying, designing, and testing the solutions that will address the issues identified in the previous phases, particularly during the Measure and Analyze stages. The teams use data gathered and analyzed to determine the most effective changes needed to enhance processes and eliminate defects.

During the Improve phase, team members might employ various improvement techniques and tools, such as process mapping, brainstorming sessions, and pilot testing, to refine their solutions. The goal is to ensure the changes lead to measurable improvements in performance, which is validated through additional data collection and analysis. This phase is critical for translating insights gained earlier into actionable steps that enhance process efficiency and quality.

In contrast, the other phases serve different purposes: Define focuses on establishing project goals and identifying problems, Measure involves quantifying the current state of the process, and Control aims to sustain the improvements made after changes have been implemented. Each phase plays a vital role in the overall Six Sigma process, but the Improve phase is specifically when the actual modifications are executed based on the data analysis.