You Are Here:    Home Page -> Business -> Project-management -> What Is DFSS?
Email this article to: Formatted for:
We do not store your email or use it for anything other than delivering this article.
[Article ID - 160094] || Word Count: 628 || Total views: 3
Article
Rate This Article
Current Rating: Not yet rated

What Is DFSS?

The first thing that comes to the mind when you are referring to the practice of Six Sigma is the DMAIC methodology, which is used for improving an existing product that is not meeting a customer's specifications. It is universally recognized and defined as involving the phases of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. The use of these phases may differ from one organization to another. Its need arises because of the heavy costs on resources being incurred by the processes.

On the other hand DFSS, which stands for Design for Six Sigma, concentrates on minimizing these defects and the variations in the beginning itself.

What is DFSS?

DFSS is used for designing a completely new product or process to meet the customer specifications. DFSS does not have universal recognition like DMAIC. Each company deploying DFSS has its own standards and techniques depending upon the characteristics of the product and customer specifications. DFSS is more approach based methodology and not a standalone methodology like DMAIC. It may either assist in the deployment of the Six Sigma concepts or even for improving the work culture of the organization.

The actual use of DFSS is when it becomes imperative to design or redesign a product right from the beginning. As it aims at development from the scratch the expected sigma level is 4.5 or higher. This becomes possible only when the customer specifications and needs are properly understood before designing and implementation.

Six Sigma and DFSS

Six Sigma concentrates on improving few of the CTQ metrics by +1 process sigma. In contrast, DFSS focuses on every single CTQ that is relevant to the customer, reviews the process and services which are being delivered and aims for a new product with a 4.5 sigma or better.

DFSS projects take longer than Six Sigma projects, as they are often based on long-term needs rather than quick fixes for a problem area. Some Six Sigma projects may even need to improve a process by designing or re-designing it from the very beginning.

Where Can DFSS Be Used?

DFSS is not just restricted to manufacturing companies - its importance is being recognized for products as well as services. It reduces the risk of failure of a perfect design to deliver to all customer requirements, as all the processes are considered in totality. Large DFSS projects are suited for projects where new products with major design and large impact are being introduced, where the customer appreciation is highly relevant.

Emphasis is given on customer analysis, conversion of customer specifications to process requirements and on error and failure proofing of the product or service.

DFSS Variations

DFSS has to cover the full life cycle of any new products, right from the organization's agreement on development, to the stage of full commercial delivery of the product. Various DFSS methodologies like DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify), DMADOV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Optimize, Verify)
are used.

Some others, like DCCDI (Define, Customer Concept, Design and Implement), IDOV (Identify, Design, Optimize and Validate) and DMEDI (Define, Measure, Explore, Develop and Implement), also exist.

Any of these can be used to suit your needs.

Implementation of DFSS

Unlike the Six Sigma methodology, DFSS requires the implementation to be done from a very early stage for better effect. For better implementation, committed leadership, training to identify and establish measurable goals and involvement of all concerned is necessary. Once fully implemented, the new product or service has to be handed over to the process owner with the new CTQs and monitoring system.

The outcome of DFSS and Six Sigma is long term in nature with a good return on investment.

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 six sigma professionals including, lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Author Profile: tjacowski
Tags
, , , , , ,