Page 19 - Design for Six Sigma a Roadmap for Product Development

Preface to the First Edition xvii

3. To discuss and illustrate very clearly all major methods used in DFSS.
4. To discuss the theory and background of each method clearly with
examples and illustrations.
5. To give the detailed step-by-step implementation process of each
DFSS method.
6. To help develop practical skills in applying DFSS in real world
implementation.
The background required to study this book is some familiarity with
simple statistical methods, such as normal distribution, mean, vari-
ance, and simple data analysis techniques.
Chapter 1 begins with a discussion about “what is quality?” It lists (1)
do the right things and (2) do things right all the time as the key tasks
to bring superior quality for product and processes. It discusses the
relationship between different quality tasks and tools and different
stages of product/process development. Finally, this chapter discusses
the Six Sigma quality concept, the whole quality and business excellence.
Chapter 2 discusses “What is Six Sigma?” and the differences between
regular Six Sigma and DFSS. It also discusses the importance of process
management in Six Sigma practice.
Chapter 3 provides a high-level description of DFSS, its stages and
major tasks, and where and how to use DFSS in a company.
Chapter 4 discusses the people aspects of DFSS, such as how to organ-
ize DFSS teams, the roles of master black belt, black belt, and green belt,
and how to deploy DFSS initiatives in a company along with highlights
of financial aspects of DFSS projects.
Chapter 5 is a very detailed description of the DFSS project imple-
mentation process. We use the term DFSS algorithm to describe this
process.The term algorithm is used to emphasize a repeatable and repro-
ducible DFSS project execution. This chapter is very important because
it gives a flowchart about how we can turn factors such as product/process
development tasks, DFSS teams, and all DFSS methodologies into an exe-
cutable process.We recommend that the reader revisit this chapter after
all methodology chapters.
Chapters 6 to 18 are the DFSS methodology chapters. Chapter 6 intro-
duces all aspects of the transfer function and DFSS project scorecards.
Transfer functions and scorecards are unique Six Sigma tools. A trans-
fer function includes the clear mathematical relationships between
“causes” (which are often design parameters or process variables) and
“effects” (which are often product/process performance metrics). By
knowing a transfer function relationship, we are able to optimize the
design to achieve superior performance. Scorecards are unique Six Sigma
design evaluation worksheets where historical data are recorded and
project progress on metrics is tracked.