What is the difference between DMADV and DMAIC?

These are the Six Sigma methodologies that are basically used to ultimately drive defects to less than 3.4 per million opportunities. Look out for. It is advised that the implementation should be done by Green Belts, Black Belts and Master Black Belt, while looking out for new ways to implement the support of a champion and process owner. While, both DMAIC and DMADV sound very similar, there are some critical differences. However, prior to knowing the difference it is wise to know the similarities.

• DMAIC Six Sigma methodology-Each letter of the acronym stands, for a different part of the process.
  • D=Define-This is used to define the project objectives.
  • M=Measure- This is the process of measuring the expectations of all the stakeholders, particularly the customers. This also includes the use of benchmarking and competitor analysis.
  • A=Analyze- The participants in the project will analyze the data that has been gathered and identify the gaps, between existing and desired performance. They will also identify sources of variation and decide on the processes that will be improved.
  • I= Improve- At this point employees involved will propose solutions, carry out pilot studies, test and evaluate the proposed solutions. After data is gathered they will develop an implementation plan.
  • C=Control- At this point in the process Six Sigma members will implement systems and procedures to ensure the improvements are sustained. They will also develop procedures, control plans, and train staff, if needed.
  This Six Sigma methodology is basically used when a product or process is in existence at a company, but somehow it is not meeting the customer specification, or is not performing effectively. DMAIC's main aim will be to analyze, and determine, the root cause of the defects.
• DMADV Six Sigma methodology-Like its counterpart each letter of this acronym stands, for a different part of the process.
• D=Define- To begin the Six Sigma team members will define the customer and their quality issues and expectations. They will also define the business processes that are involved and define the boundaries of the project. They will create a process map and decide on the metrics including Big Y and little y's. A project team will be formed and they will develop a project charter.
• M= Measure- This is the process of measuring the expectations of all the stakeholders, particularly the customers. This also includes the use of benchmarking and competitor analysis.
• A=Analyze- At this point in the methodology, employees will identify and analyze the alternative solutions.
• D=Design- This is where the agreed upon solution is developed.
• V=Verify-The participants will then verify the design through pilot studies and then evaluation as it goes into service.

DMADV methodology should be used when a product or process is not currently in existence at a company, and it needs to be developed. Or it may already exist, but it still does not meet the level of customer specification, or Six Sigma levels, and it needs a redesign. DMADV is used to analyze the process options that will be needed, to meet the customer needs. Under the umbrella of the DMADV methodology is the DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) process. DFSS is used to design a new process, product or service, or to redesign an existing process, product or service from scratch, if it is been determined by DMADV that it is needed. This contrasts sharply with the normal Six Sigma approach that is used to improve existing processes, products or services. Because of this DFSS uses the DMADV sequence, rather than the DMAIC sequence.It should be noted that the DMADV sequence it sometimes also be referred to as DMADOV where the additional O stands for Optimize. If this step is added then Six Sigma participants will use experimental design, simulation etc. to optimize the solution.