Today, I will share with you another use of Six Sigma (DFSS, particulalry) to another initiative, which is product development. Thank you Eleine for this link. The article comes very handy these days as I am running a series on Six Sigma’s capability to be interwoven with other initiatives.
Vinny Sastri, founder of Winovia LLC, a consultancy providing innovative, customized solutions in product development, process improvement and issue resolution, said in his article, “Integrating Product Development Part II: DFSS and the Quality System Regulation,” that Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) is both a business management tool and a product development process.
And here is how.
DFSS uses metrics, data and statistics, team dynamics, risk management, and project management tools. Data-driven decision-making processes take products from concept to commercialization. By focusing on design and process parameters, manufacturers can create six-sigma-capable products or services that are based on customer and market needs. In addition—and perhaps more importantly—DFSS enables a company to comply with the quality system regulation (QSR) in the product development process. DFSS can help firms meet QSR requirements because it incorporates quantifiable metrics, controls, statistical quality control techniques, and documentation.
Further, many QSR elements fit into each phase of a rigorous product development process. These phases can be broken down in a series of steps.
• Define the business case, customer requirements, and the intended use.
• Assess the technical requirements, specifications, and various design options.
• Develop and verify the product.
• Validate by piloting and testing the product internally; validate with the customer or end-user.
• Launch to full-scale production and commercialization.
• Sustain the product; monitor and track product capability through the entire supply chain.
As I’ve said in my previous posts, Six Sigma, being data-driven and fact-based, makes it sort of adaptable. Six Sigma’s tool such as quantifiable metrics, controls, statistical quality control techniques, and documentation spell the big difference.
I agree with Sastri when he says that companies should re-evaluate their product development schemes, that is if they are not yet using DFSS. With DFSS and QSR, new product development process acquires structure and clarity, thereby reducing risks and time to market. More importantly, the incorporation ensures regulatory compliance. With DFSS and QSR in your system, you can design, develop, manufature, and sell finished products that consumers needs. This definitely leads to product consistency and reliability, and sustainable sales, revenues, and profits.
