It all starts with the DMAIC define phase

Posted by SharonEvans on November 10th, 2013

Although there are five phases in six sigma and you cannot say which is more important than the others, the define phase is the beginning of the whole process. The importance of DMAIC define is that the whole problem statement is defined here. If this phase is not implemented correctly the whole project is run incorrectly, thus leading to no improvement. To know more about the define phase check this website.

When an organization realizes the fact that there are some process related gaps they often try and put a six sigma project in place. Six sigma as a process has five phase – define, measure, analyze, improve and control, in that order. As is evident from this list, DMAIC define is the first phase of the project. In this phase a problem statement is created. The problem statement focuses on certain aspects – 1. How big is the problem? 2. What is the business impact the problem is causing? and 3. What specific areas need to be targeted? Is it a department or unit that needs focus?

However, DMAIC define doesn’t stop with the problem because once this phase is complete the other phases kick in. A goal statement is also created during this phase that has measurable goals defined in it. For example, the goal statement may say that “production efficiency will be improved by 10%” or something similar. The goal statement also states when the improvement will be seen, i.e. it’s time bound. At the same time resource planning is also done.

It’s rather required that the organization is fully committed toward the success of the project and for this at least one person from the senior management team needs to be the project sponsor or project champion. Additionally a team needs to be formed so that there are dedicated resources working on the project. While an external consultant can work in extensively during the DMAIC define phase without internal employees the project will not be able to continue.

For many organizations this is the stage when some employees need to be trained and certified on six sigma. There are training organizations that can conduct six sigma training onsite as well as online or through a blended learning approach. These training organizations train hundreds of individuals every year and they have mastered the art of imparting theoretical as well as practical knowledge about six sigma. Check this website for one such six sigma training organization.

When you check this website for information on six sigma ensure that you go through the entire website. Find out about the professional expertise of the organization and the type of classes they can conduct. Also go through the “About Us” section and the list of organizations in their client list. Go through the resource section to see the quality of resources available on the website. And if you have any questions don’t forget to contact them.

When you check this website you will know all about DMAIC define and other six sigma phases. It’s a nice way to get started.

Check this website and you will come to know all about the DMAIC define phase of six sigma.