What is the purpose of a Control Plan in Six Sigma?

The purpose of a Control Plan in Six Sigma is to outline measures for consistent process performance after improvement. Once a process has undergone improvement through Six Sigma methodologies, it is crucial to ensure that the gains achieved are maintained over time. A Control Plan serves as a structured document that defines the methods, procedures, and metrics that will be used to monitor the process post-improvement. This ensures that variation is minimized, potential issues are proactively addressed, and the desired level of quality and performance is sustained.

By clearly defining the control measures and responsibilities, the Control Plan facilitates ongoing oversight, making it easier to detect deviations from the expected performance level. This proactive approach helps ensure that improvements are not only made but are also embedded sustainably within the organization’s processes.