Six_Sigma

Six Sigma Paper DMAIC and DMADV are Six Sigma process improvement tools used in many organizations related to total quality management (TQM). The following information will briefly describe both tools, the various steps of each, and how each step varies from one tool to the other. Definitions and Descriptions Both DMAIC and DMADV are processes used to solve process problems in businesses. DMAIC is an acronym that stands for define, measure, analyze, improve, and control. DMADV is an acronym that stands for define, measure, analyze, design, validate. Clyde Creveling states: “The DMAIC process is easy to learn and apply. It provides strong benefits to those who follow its simple steps using a small, focused set of tools, methods, and best practices” (Creveling, 2007, p. 7). DMADV is a reactive Six Sigma approach that can be applied when a process cannot be improved as it is currently designed (Creveling, 2007, p. 8). Each step of both processes have specific phases and gates to complete. The Steps of DMAIC Versus DMADV “The DMAIC process has been used to improve existing designs and the process that make them in many companies across the world” (Creveling, 2007, p. 2), whereas DMADV is used to develop new processes when the current process cannot be improved as designed. As noted the first three steps in either process are the same. However, in DMAIC, the last two steps are related to improvement, and in the last two steps of DMADV, they are focused on design and validation of a new process (Creveling, 2007, Chapter 1). Step One – Define The define step in DMAIC is focused on identification of the problem in a process, whereas in DMADV, it is focused on defining an opportunity for a new process (Creveling, 2007, Chapter 1). Step Two – Measure Both processes have a measure step. In DMAIC the measure step gathers data about the problem. In DMADV the measure step adds “VOC data associated with the opportunity to design a new process” (Creveling, 2007, p. 8). Step Three – Analyze The third step is analyze in both tools and is used to identify a cause-and-effect relationship between key variables. However, in DMADV analyze also generates new process concepts, and selects a new process architecture from numerous alternatives (Creveling, 2007, Chapter 1). Step Four DMAIC – Improve This step is used to improve the existing process to eliminate the identified problem based on the measured results (Creveling, 2007, p. 7). Step Four DMADV – Design This step is just as it sounds. It is where new detailed process elements are designed and integrated to eliminate a problem, and meet new requirements (Creveling, 2007, p. 8). Step Five DMAIC – Control This step of DMADV is “control the process so the problem does not return or, if it does, it is controllable” (Creveling, 2007, p. 7). Step Five DMADV – Validate As it sounds, this final step of DMADV is the validation step. It validates the new process to new process requirements (Creveling, 2007, p. 8). Conclusion Businesses use DMAIC, or DMADV when processes are broken, incapable, or out of control (Creveling, 2007, p. 17) to help fix or replace processes to keep the organization productive. Process improvement is a key aspect of Six Sigma concepts. DMAIC and DMADV both help organizations ensure the processes used remain effective, or get replaced with more effective processes.   References Creveling, C. M. (2007). Six Sigma for technical processes. [Adobe version]. Retrieved from https://portal.phoenix.edu/classroom/coursematerials/qnt_tm561/20110531/