We often hear in quality circles the phrase, “do it right the first time.” In Sig Sigma deployments using the DMAIC, the first step—Define—should then be the most crucial. This is where problems are identified and overcome in a process of continual improvement. However, we too often do not give importance to the design phase itself. In the language of Six Sigma, this phase uses the define-characterize-optimize-verify (DCOV) model as its process. Most will agree that the verify stage of DCOV presents the most stumbling blocks.
At this stage, we need to undergo design reviews. Essentially, design reviews are used to:
*Provide a guideline for peer-oriented assessment and coaching
*Provide a method to assess design status and implement corporate timing guidelines of quality and reliability methods
*Serve as a requirement for assessing and scoring product development. A design review is integral to any of the three component requirements of a quality system for product engineering.
Furthermore, the design review can be applied to:
*Product design organizations or activities (e.g., department, section or program module teams).
*The PMT approach is particularly relevant if the organization is dealing with specific products.
*An organization’s internal and external engineering activities.
Also, design reviews should have the following characteristics:
1. Focuses on engineering for quality and reliability?not on program status.
2. Conducts peer review by another assigned PMT?not by senior management.
3. Distributes working documents to a coaching PMT in advance of the review?not “walking in cold and shooting from the hip.”
4. Has an honest discussion and learning from each other, helping both PMTs to improve.
It is believed that without understanding and internalizing these four fundamentals, our design review will just be another show in an endless parade of quality tools. Read more
Below is an overview of the key concepts of the Define phase.
DEFINE – Key Steps:
- Charter a Team Conduct Stakeholder Analysis
- Determine Customer Critical to Quality
- Requirements (CTQ’s)
- Map Processes (SIPOC)
- Define TollgateDEFINE – Key Deliverables:
- Project Charter (With Clear Link to Business Strategy)
- Validated Customer CTQ’s
- Stakeholder Management Plan
- High Level Process Map (SIPOC)DEFINE – Core Tools:
- Affinity Diagram
- Flow Charts (Process Maps)
- SIPOC
- Business Case,
- Project Charter
- Stakeholder Analysis
- CTQ Tree
- Rolled Throughput Yield
- Voice of the Customer (VOC)
Tags
design
design review
