What Is DFSS And How Does It Compare To DMAIC?

By: Tony Jacowski

For those organizations that are constantly engaged in innovating their products or services, DFSS, an acronym for Design for Six Sigma, is not new. But the general statement by many that they are implementing Six Sigma shows that they are a little bit confused - in most cases one will be using DMAIC, which is applicable in cases where there are products and services that already exist.

DFSS is more focused on innovating and designing new products or redesigning them to suit the business. The designing exercise can be started from scratch, as it has happened in many cases. Thus, DFSS is implemented for design of new products.

DFSS Is Closer To DMADV

In actual practice, DFSS hardly differs from DMADV, an acronym which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Design and Verify. It is this design factor which makes all the difference between DFSS and DMAIC. The designing or redesigning a process or a product arises by following the Define and Measure steps. You will notice that these are the same initial steps in DMAIC implementation. Even the analysis stage, going by the name, is somewhat similar.

Many experts acknowledge the difference in the analysis stage, even though the name suggests similarity. Analysis in DFSS has its intention focused on critically looking at vacuums that beckon new services or products from scratch or improving upon something. Whether the deployment proceeds to design stage depends on the outcome of pragmatic analysis.

Six Sigma practitioners hardly disagree that the suggestion of creating something from the ground up requires nothing less than a critical review of the need for the proposed product. The basis for such an analysis is the Voice of Customer and business objectives as defined in the first stage. This argument should also explain the objectives of choosing DMADV or DFSS.

How Does DMAIC Fare In The Wider View Of Things?

Six Sigma DMAIC, as everyone knows, encompasses every aspect of doing business. DMAIC emphasizes Defining, Measuring and Analyzing variations in processes already in place. The use of the right tools after defining each process for measuring critical parameters throws up deviations which otherwise would have continued to exist. All too clearly, the central force of DMAIC is applied at removing process errors and eliminating wastage, which consumes resources to unmanageable proportions. (This underlines the big savings achieved by GE, Motorola, Honeywell and many others over the years.)

DFSS has many variants which are practically being used by various industries. The reason for this variance is not all too difficult to comprehend, as the methodology is not still universally acknowledged so as to be standardized. Each one of the trainers might teach the concept differently which goes on to manifest as different implementation styles.

DCCDI, DMEDI and IDOV are the three significant methodologies now predominately in practice. DCCDI is an acronym for Define, Customer, Concept, Design and Implementation while DMEDI stands for Define, Measure, Explore, Develop and Implement. And finally the IDOV stands for Identify, Design, Optimize and Validate.

Article Source: http://www.bigfreearticles.com

Confused about the methodologies used in Six Sigma? This article will show you the how, why and when to use DFSS over the other methods!

About the Author:
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Tags: six sigma overview, six sigma process, six sigma definition, define six sigma, six sigma basics

Please Rate this Article

Comments

Share This Article - Quick and Easy Using This Button:

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Uncategorized Articles Via RSS!

Read More Articles From - Home | Uncategorized

Secured Homeowner Loans Help Increasing The Borrowing Power By: Charles Bretz - Real estate is a big business and the price rates of houses have shot up considerably. The rates are very different to what it used to be five years ago. Homeowner loan offers financial assistance to people who have plans to purchase a house. A person may find it difficult to invest for a house individually and so most of the times people need a loan to purchase a house. Homeowner loan is the easiest way of achieving a large loan. The repayment time is very relaxed that allows borrowers to easily repay the entire amount. Generally, the repayment period is spread over a span of twenty five years.
How Do I Make Good Money? By: Stanislaw Pena - Good and legal money is not easy to come by. There are many online businesses on the internet but it is difficult to choose any one of them. Multi-level programs became very popular over a past few years. However, due to presence and misuse of the system by the scammers these programs are taking a back seat. A program that had been in existence ever since the human civilization came into being is cash gifting program. Cash gifting is a better alternative to the multi-level marketing programs. Some of the reasons are: The MLM programs require a set of inventory. There is a lot of marketing, selling and promotion involved.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Still the Most Popular By: Theodore Cartman - Come summer time and many people think of the water and the beach. There are those who are lucky to be living next to a beach and when the sun comes up they can quickly get into their swimming or water gear and hit the shores. Then there are those who do not live anywhere near the beach. One of the ways such people have still been able to indulge in their love for water is to have a private swimming pool. Backyard pools are common in many parts of the world especially those where the weather permits. Having a backyard pool is a very exciting thing especially for those who love water and water sports.
Tips For Starting A Tutoring Business By: Stephanie Quinn - Tutoring kids is an exciting and profitable business to start. By getting organized and having everything in place before you open for business, you will come across as professional and ready for success. The best way to do this is to consult professionals regarding legal, accounting, or insurance issues. Once you are prepared to move ahead with starting a tutoring business, the first things you must do are to decide on your business name and type of business set up. (Sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, etc.) Many people start as a sole proprietor when starting a tutoring business to test the waters first and then move on to a limited liability company or corporation.
Solar Power for home: Alternative Source of Energy that can be Easily Made by Yourself By: Jim Somchai - With the high energy cost and the environmental problems today, people are looking for the new energy sources. Solar power has long been viewed as a good alternative energy source since it is free and you can have it most of the places in the world. It can literally save people a lot of money and can reduce the pollutions from using the traditional fuels which endanger the world now. It is not difficult to make use of the solar power for your home. You will just need some knowledge and some equipment to make a solar panel and make use of it. There are many benefits to using the solar energy.
Invest in Your Health by Joining a Weight Camp By: Matthew Stanton - Obesity is a problem that many people contend with today. Obesity is a physical problem that may bring forth emotional conflicts, like loss of self-esteem and a downgrade of confidence. Indeed, it is not uncommon to see an obese person being criticized and made fun of. As a result, a persons self-esteem, self confidence and sense of self worth take a blow. As the old adage goes, health is wealth. Thus, many people who have this problem try to resolve it through various diet plans that have emerged over the years. Some take on slimming pills, and some take on regular exercising. While these actions might help you lose weight, they can prove difficult to maintain.
PHR Certification Human Resource Professional Exam By: Jacquelyn Donner - When preparing for the PHR or SPHR exam consider the following areas of focus which you should know before sitting for the exam. Traditionally, HR also is responsible for devising and implementing a companies disciplinary procedures. Most systems provide sufficient time for employees to change their behavior or improve their performance before termination becomes inevitable. Handle discipline problems progressively with oral warnings, written warnings, suspensions, transfers and demotions. Scrupulous documentation during the process will support the companies actions should employees seek legal redress. Companies should also provide a counseling service for those who need it. A reasonable and comprehensive compensation package is a challenge because of the many variables.
Internet Phone Providers - How to choose an Internet Phone By: Gen Wright - There are many different types of Internet phones available that are offered by internet phone providers. The type of internet phone that you choose ultimately depends on the price and the features that you need. Sometimes, when you join a carrier as a member, your carrier will make some recommendations for compatible internet phones. Other times, internet phones may be bundled together with the package that you signed up for. However, most members still prefer the freedom to buy their own internet phone. Brand and model. Consumers may prefer a more established brand. Usually, established brands command a higher price tag. But product and service quality is also expected to be of higher levels.
PHR Certification Exams Can Be Quite Intense By: Jacquelyn Donner - The Human resource certification institute issues professional in human resources and senior professional in human resources exams. These exams can be quite intense and rigorous due to the theoretical knowledge, practical experience and amount of information that candidates must know before taking them. Everything for employee motivation, learning and leadership to Samuel Gompers will be covered on the exam. Very few people would know all the knowledge base covered unless they have prior training in human resources. For professional working in human resources, SPHR is one of the highest certifications one can receive. A candidate must have at least 2 years of professional HR experience to be able to sit of the exam.
HR Certification Canidates Designation Must Pass a Comprehensive Exam By: Jacquelyn Donner - The Human Resources Certification Institute offers Professional in Human resources and senior professional in Human resources credentials. Candidates seeking to earn designation must pass a comprehensive examination that covers numerous laws, regulations and employee plans. Individuals who have earned this professional achievement are often seen as more valuable in the workforce. The examination is only offered twice a year. The examination can help you develop your human resource knowledge and skills and you will immediately see an improvement in the effectiveness of your ability to manage employees in the workplace. The Human Resources exam covers 6 areas of reference. Strategic management is the role that Human resources plays in the companies planning and business process.