Design for Six Sigma

Abstract

Design for six sigma (DFSS) methods can be viewed as part of six sigma methods or an alternative method as described in Chapter 1. These methods generally involve teams that have control over the design nominal dimensions and specifications. Having this “design control” often means that the teams have relatively great power to improve the system quality. It has been said that 80+% of product quality is determined by the product design specifications meaning that manufacture and delivery can play only a relatively small role. Design teams, therefore, have great responsibility to ensure that new products or processes are put in place smoothly and foster high quality levels.

This chapter describes DFSS methods that are generally intended to offer deliberate and principled procedures that structure the processes of design. The examples here focus on DFSS in manufacturing contexts, but DFSS methods have added value in other sectors, including in government.