Both Six Sigma and DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify) work together very well, although DMADV can be used outside of a Six Sigma functionality to achieve results. Utilizing the Six Sigma way, though, will only increase the incidences of satisfactory results.
Both ways use specific procedures to locate issues in design, create new designs, fix problems, and create a workable and efficient environment. In fact, Six Sigma uses DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify) within the confines of creating new designs frequently. By combining these two forces, a company can rely on the results to be the absolute best available.
They both define what the goals and problems are that lay within the current design to create one that will fix any issues or create a new solution to a current issue. When used in the creation of something new, such as the creation of a new product, DMADV is particularly helpful.
They both measure what the customer wants in relation to what the business can supply and whether or not the business will actually be able to meet the needs of the customer. The needs of the company will also be measured against the needs of the customers. After all, if the need cannot be met, or if the customer doesn’t need a product, it may not be a viable design after all.
All options and designs that have been created up to this point will need to be analyzed to find all faults and solutions to the faults. New designs are often created at this point due to errors in previous designs.
In the design phase, often simulations are used to see if the design seems to be viable and worthy of being created. This is the stage that will involve many tweakings to produce the best and most efficient design possible.
Six Sigma teams recognize the potential of all of these phases, but the final phase is what will make or break a project, and that is the verification process. Often dry runs are put into place to see if the production process and the design are completely compatible. If not, they may have to look back to see if there is a solution to the issues that they are finding. In addition to that, they will continue to look at the design to find better ways to accomplish the end result.
All in all, Six Sigma’s use of DMADV is one that will produce the best design for the company that is possible. They do truly work best with each other for a complete and accurate project that will perform as needed.
