TABLE OF CONTENTS Another methodology used in the Six Sigma world is called DMADV -Define, Measure, Analyze, Design and Verify. DMADV was developed out of the recognition that DMAIC was not powerful enough when faced with product or process design.
Studies have shown that a change required in the design phase of a product life cycle costs a company a fraction of what it would cost if the change is needed after the product is in production. By designing the product right in the first place, problems in manufacturing, assembly, service and support are diminished. By using a structured approach to design, the team may achieve:
Streamlined development processes
Shortened time to market cycle
Designs that can be implemented
There are many similarities between the two approaches, DMAIC and DMADV. Note that the first three phases are the same though the emphasis of what is done may be different between the two. Much of the tool set for DMAIC is the same for DMADV. However, the questions to be answered in each phase for DMADV are different:
In the Define phase, the emphasis is on understanding the customers and the customers' needs and wants. The Voice of the Customer is critically important in this phase.
In the Measure phase, the emphasis is on establishing metrics for the project and developing the X's that are important.
In the Analyze phase, initial design alternatives are developed.
