Design for Six Sigma: A Review of the Definitions, Objectives, Activities, and Tools

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical review of the definitions, objectives, activities, and tools applied in the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology. It also proposes a theoretical framework that provides a simplified and generic guide, which is not easily found in the scientific literature. The methodology used consists of 3 phases: (a) Systemic review, structured to search and select references on DFSS after 2009; (b) Selection of specific books on DFSS that were cited in the studies found in the systematic review (step “a”); (c) Application of the Bibliometrix scientific mapping tool. Seventeen definitions and objectives of DFSS were enumerated; 9 sets of DFSS structuring phases were observed; a list with 54 main activities and 72 tools that can be applied in DFSS was generated. This proposal aims to bring the DFSS methodology closer to the practical actions of engineering management.

Keywords:

• Design for Six Sigma
• Product Development
• Systematic Review
• Quality Tools

EMJ Focus Areas:

• New Product Development Continuous Improvement

Future Researches

For future studies, it is suggested:

• Compare the proposal of the DFSS conceptual framework with other references not considered in the SR;

• Test the applicability efficiency of the generic DFSS model proposed in case studies;

• Analyze the generic approach of the proposed DFSS model in relation to specific segments of products, processes, and services;

• Compare the efficiency of the conceptual framework with other NPD methodologies;

• Conduct a specific study on the tools applied in DFSS;

• Relate the generic DFSS methodology to the level of innovation required for the product, process or service to be developed.

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

A. C. Dzulinski

Ana Caroline Dzulinski is a professor at the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS) - Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. She has a Master’s degree in Production Engineering with a focus on Industrial Management, a degree in Production Engineering, and in Technology in Mechanical Manufacturing Processes. Her research area is focused on Product Development and Manufacturing Processes in the metal-mechanical segment.

A. Braghini Junior

Aldo Braghini Junior is a professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR) - Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil. He has a Master’s and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Universidade de São Paulo. His research areas are machining processes (efficiency improvement) and product and process development with an emphasis on sustainability.

D. M. G. Chiroli

Daiane Maria De Genaro Chiroli is a professor in the Department of Textile Engineering, at the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR) Apucarana, Paraná, Brazil. Ph.D. in Production Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC).