DEFINE

Welcome to the 1st phase of a DMAIC Project.

The DEFINE phase will add more definition to the contract. It is important to evaluate team synergy as the GB/BB team leader as well as begin the technical journey. Attention must be devoted to assembling the optimal team and analyzing each members stake to get best cross functional input and results. This includes choosing a qualifed Project Manager, such as the Green Belt or Black Belt.

This phase should engage the Champion frequently to ensure the team is off to the right start. The Champion should act as an observer to ensure progression is acceptable. The Champion should refrain from providing specific direction or pre-conceived solutions.

A generic roadmap is shown of this phase. In general these are some of the tools that will be used and their outputs.

Project Contract

Gantt Chart

Financial Savings Review

Voice of the Customer (VOC)

Stakeholder Analysis

Affinity Diagram

Critical To Qualilty Linkage (CTQ)

SIPOC

Pareto Diagram

Kano Model

Spaghetti Diagram

Process Maps

Surveys

Data Collection

Data Classification

REMINDER:
You may not use all the tools shown. Each project will have its own path. Don't force the path or shoehorn the use of the tools for the sake of adding material.

The team's time is valuable, get the most of it and apply only tools that are necessary, do your part to minimize waste in the project path.