What is the last step in the Six Sigma process?

In the Six Sigma process, known as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), the last step is to "Control." This phase is critical as it ensures that the improvements made during the project are sustained over time. The Control stage focuses on establishing standard operating procedures, monitoring systems, and ongoing performance metrics to maintain the gains achieved through the previous steps of the process.

During the Control phase, teams implement control charts and other process management tools to maintain consistency and compliance with the new process improvements. This step is essential to preventing regression to old practices and ensuring long-term success. The focus is not just on immediate results but on creating a system that can deliver consistent quality and performance moving forward.

Other options, while related to the overall process, do not represent the final step. Evaluate, Analyze, and Act may be components of various quality improvement frameworks or approaches, but in the context of the Six Sigma methodology, "Control" is the definitive last step meant to secure and monitor the improvements.