What is the purpose of the 'Define' phase in DMAIC?

The purpose of the 'Define' phase in DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) is to clearly identify the problem, define the project goals, and understand customer requirements. This phase sets the foundation for the entire improvement project by establishing what needs to be addressed and ensuring that all stakeholders have a common understanding of the project’s scope and objectives.

In this phase, a project team will gather relevant information and articulate a problem statement that highlights the issue at hand. They often use tools such as project charters, voice of the customer (VoC) analyses, and stakeholder assessments to define the current situation and what constitutes success. Establishing clear goals not only helps to guide the team’s efforts but also to measure the effectiveness of the improvements later in the process.

By focusing on the needs and expectations of customers, the 'Define' phase ensures that the subsequent steps in DMAIC are aligned with creating value and solving the right problems, which is crucial for achieving successful outcomes in process improvement initiatives.