Six Sigma Improvement and Design for Six Sigma improve process effectiveness by reducing defects:

• Thoroughly understand the process and the customer requirements;
• Analyze data to identify root causes of defects (failure to meet a customer's need);
• Identify breakthrough solutions to reach a goal of near-perfection.

Six Sigma DMAIC fits best when:

• Problem or gap in performance exists
• Root cause(s) are unknown/unsure
• “Band-aids” are unacceptable
• Customer needs and requirements unclear

Six Sigma DMAIC Steps:

• Define: understand the problem, process, & customer
• Measure: quantify how well the process meets customer needs
• Analyze: identify and confirm root causes of the problem
• Improve: fix the problem
• Control: monitor the process to ensure the problem stays fixed

Design for Six Sigma fits best when:

• Process or product is new (does not exist); or
• The problem is so bad that old process needs to be discarded
• Customer requirements need to be well-defined
• Resources are available for a detailed effort

Design for Six Sigma Steps:

• Define: understand the problem, vision/goal, & customer
• Measure: identify and quantify customer requirements
• Analyze: thoroughly describe the design requirements
• Design: create a “fully capable” process or product
• Verify: ensure that the process will remain capable in the future