Thursday, October 30, 2008

Looking at the Comparison of Design For Six Sigma to DMAIC

By Craig Calvin

Six Sigma is a superior methodology that gives businesses numerous tools in which to usher in improvements in the process of business, as well as achieving a level of minimal defects. Six Sigma makes use of several methodologies, which differ from one another, but also complement each other. These methodologies are also complementary to various types of companies, which displays the beauty of Six Sigma.

DFSS and DMAIC: DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control is basically very useful when the products and services and the related processes already exist. What is needed is just bringing about improvements in these existing processes. However DFSS, which stands for Design for Six Sigma, is mostly concerned with redesigning, redeveloping or designing a new product. Another difference lies in the fact that the DMAIC methodology is mostly the same for all organizations. But, there is no specific methodology that can be attributed to the DFSS approach.

DMAIC and DFSS vs. DMADV: In actual practice, the implementation of DFSS is mostly accomplished by using the DMADV methodology. You will see that the DMADV that stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Design and Verify - and is a simple variant of DFSS.

A comparison with the DMAIC shows that the first two steps Define and Measure are the same. The third step is where the differences start cropping up. According to the DMAIC methodology, the Analyze phase involves analyzing the data collected for the current process and analyzing it to find areas, where improvements and changes can be implemented.

In accordance with the DMADV methodology, the Analyze phase differs in that is is a step taken to gain understanding into the shortcomings in the process, and to shed some light on how to implement a new design for the product. This analysis will result in the development of new products. The core goal of the DMAIC is to lower defects and eliminate waste, which is the reason for the the utilization of resources.

DMAIC is known throughout the world as standard methodology. The DFSS is not known as such, and there is not a universal acceptance for a given methodology. - 15485

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