Six Sigma projects are divided into five phases: Measure, Analyze and Improve, Control, and Define. These five stages, also known as DMAIC, are what you will learn in the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course. To become a Six Sigma Green Belt, one must have a solid understanding and appreciation of Six Sigma principles. You must be able to comprehend each phase. The Six Sigma Define phase is a prerequisite for any Six Sigma project.
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Overview
When discussing the Six Sigma Define phase, the first thing we need to discuss is the definition of the Problem Statement and Goal by project team members. The Six Sigma Define phase’s primary purpose is to ensure that the project team is focusing on the business problem or pain point.
To narrow down the problem statement, you need to reduce the scope of the problem in order to increase the focus. Redefining the goal means changing it into numbers. S-M-A-R-T is an acronym that stands to Specific, Measurable Achievable Realistic and Time-bound.
The Opportunity Statement is also known as the problem statement. Let’s look at the history of the word “Opportunity”. A process improvement opportunity or process excellence opportunity to surpass stakeholders’ expectations is called an opportunity. Six Sigma projects can be required due to a business problem or improvement opportunity. A Six Sigma project may not be necessary to solve a business problem.
The second point is that the project team must identify the stakeholders being served by the process. The Six Sigma Define phase is where the Six Sigma project team identifies both internal and external stakeholders that will be served by the process. The team also analyzes customer requirements. The Voice of the Customer (VoC), data, and information about customer expectations and needs are known as the Voice of the Customer. There are many methods and techniques for collecting VoC data, including qualitative and/or quantitative, subjective or objective methods.
The third point concerns the creation of a plan for completing the project. Once the Six Sigma project is deemed feasible, the project team creates the project charter. This agreement usually includes an end-to end plan for completing the Six Sigma project.
5 Key Deliverables
Let’s take a look at the five key deliverables of the Six Sigma Define phase. These deliverables are the objectives of the Define Phase. Let’s take a look at each one:
The 1st Six Sigma Phase Define Phase Key Deliverable : Process Map
Understanding the project’s purpose is the first key deliverable from the Six Sigma Define phase. We need to be able to understand the process in order to fully comprehend the project. Once we have a good understanding of the process, we can identify the reasons for inefficiency and frustration to make improvements. You can drill down into the process with a Process Flowchart Process Map or Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
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Phase 2nd Six Sigma Define Phase Key Deliverable Project Scope
The Six Sigma Define phase’s second key deliverable is to identify the boundaries of the process area that needs improvement. Simply put, defining the process boundaries is understanding where the process ends and begins. The scope study in Six Sigma projects usually involves defining boundaries. This is done by documenting a list with specific goals, deliverables and tasks, costs, timelines, and timelines. The Six Sigma Define phase is where the project leaders are responsible to clarify the purpose and scope. They must be aware of the problem and the type of improvement.
