Define is the first step in DMAIC

It is obvious that you can't begin a project if you do not know what you are trying to accomplish. Most people identify an area for improvement and start making assumptions, improvements, and whatever else by the seat of their pants. It is incredibly important to clearly DEFINE everything your project will entail. The DEFINE phase is usually completed by the project leader.

First you need to know what the improvement opportunity is, how you are going to measure it, the scope of your process, and anything else that aids in providing clarity. During this first phase it is a must that you decide what your overall goal is. If you lose site of this goal, you have just started another project. This is very important so you can ensure that everyone on your team is going after the same thing. Championing a project would be very difficult if everyone had a different goal in mind.

Once you know what your ambition is, decide how you are going to measure your current state against your future state. Clarity of what is going to be measured is a must. There is not an improvement if you can't measure it.

Create a schedule. Things will operate much more efficiently just by having one on paper.

Who is on your team? Having the right people involved determines the level of success; it also does not hurt to include someone who will ask the "dumb" questions.

Once everything is clear, create a project charter. A charter makes everything a little more official and keeps you on track. This is nothing more than an official document that states what the team will be doing and attempting to achieve.

Now the team can assemble and begin.

Now that your charter is complete, the DEFINE phase has been completed.