Design for Six Sigma (DFSS)

'DFSS' is the acronym for Design for Six Sigma.  Unlike, the DMAIC, there is no single or standard definition of what steps or phases the DFSS process consists of.  It is generally up to the company to define the steps needed to design its processes to be capable of 6-sigma quality level, i.e., 3.4 ppm.  DFSS may therefore be customized to the nature of business and culture of the practicing company.  DFSS is generally used when designing a new product or completely redesigning an existing one from scratch.

Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, and Verify (DMADV)

'DMADV' stands for  the following:

1) Define opportunities, i.e., project goals in relation to customer requirements;

2) Measure and determine customer requirements and how competitors are serving these requirements;

3) Analyze your process options to meet these customer needs;

4) Design your process to meet these customer needs; and

5) Verify the performance of the process, particularly in terms of its ability to meet customer requirements.

The DMADV method is employed in situations wherein there is no existing process or product yet catering to a certain customer requirement, and the company wants to develop one for that purpose.