Tollgate
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A tollgate is a formal review checkpoint between DMAIC phases where leadership validates that required deliverables are complete before proceeding.
Definition
A tollgate is a formal review meeting held at the end of each DMAIC phase where the project team presents their work to leadership for validation. The Champion and other reviewers assess whether required deliverables are complete, methodology was followed correctly, and conclusions are supported by data. Tollgates prevent projects from rushing ahead with flawed analysis or incomplete work. A project must "pass" the tollgate to proceed to the next phase—or return to address gaps.
Examples
At the Measure phase tollgate, the team presented their data collection plan, baseline metrics, and Gage R&R results. The Champion asked probing questions about sample size justification. When the team couldn't defend their sampling approach, they were asked to recalculate before proceeding to Analyze.
Key Points
- Tollgates occur at the end of each DMAIC phase (5 tollgates per project)
- Standard deliverables expected at each gate (charter, data, analysis, solutions, control plan)
- Champion and/or Master Black Belt typically lead the review
- Projects don't proceed until tollgate requirements are satisfied
Common Misconceptions
Tollgates are just status updates. Proper tollgates are rigorous reviews where methodology is challenged, data is questioned, and conclusions are tested. Rubber-stamp tollgates that always approve allow flawed projects to proceed.
Failing a tollgate means the project failed. Tollgate feedback improves project quality. Being sent back to address gaps is normal and valuable. Projects that never get pushed back at tollgates may not be receiving adequate scrutiny.