Roadmap - Define

The “Define” phase in Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is the foundation of the DMAIC roadmap. Its purpose is to clearly articulate the problem, scope, and goals of the project so the team starts with alignment and focus.

🛤 Roadmap for the Define Phase

1. Establish the Project Charter

• Problem Statement – concise description of the issue to be solved

• Business Case – why the project matters (impact on cost, quality, customer satisfaction)

• Goal Statement – measurable target for improvement

• Scope – boundaries of what’s included/excluded

• Team Roles – Champion, Black Belt/Green Belt, team members

2. Understand the Customer

• Voice of the Customer (VOC) – gather feedback through surveys, interviews, complaints

• Critical to Quality (CTQ) Requirements – translate VOC into measurable performance standards

• Stakeholder Analysis – identify who is affected and their expectations

3. Map the Process

• SIPOC Diagram (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) – high-level view of the process

• Process Flowchart – visualize steps and handoffs

• Baseline Metrics – establish current performance indicators

4. Define Deliverables & Success Criteria

• Project Charter Approval – ensure leadership buy-in

• Communication Plan – how updates will be shared with stakeholders

• Milestones & Timeline – set checkpoints for progress

⚡ Key Outputs of the Define Phase

• Approved Project Charter

• Clear problem and goal statements

• Documented VOC and CTQs

• High-level process map (SIPOC)

• Defined scope and boundaries

🔑 Why It Matters

• Alignment: Ensures the team and stakeholders agree on the problem and objectives.

• Focus: Prevents scope creep by setting clear boundaries.

• Customer-centric: Keeps improvements tied to what matters most to customers.

• Foundation for success: Without a strong Define phase, later phases risk solving the wrong problem.