DMADV is a Six Sigma methodology used to design new processes while ensuring the end product is correctly delivered to the customer. The goal of the DMADV methodology is to create a high-quality product while keeping the customer’s wants and needs in mind during every phase of the project. Each letter of the acronym DMADV represents one of the five key phases of the project improvement initiative: Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, and Verify.
Below, we take a look at each step of the methodology from a fundamental level.
Define
During the DMADV define process phase, the project leader determines what the customer’s most important needs are in relation to the final deliverable. This determination is obtained with data collection, which includes any relevant historical information and customer feedback.
Deliverables of the DMADV define process phase include:
- A defined Six Sigma project team with assigned roles
- A project charter defining the customer’s wants and needs
- Critical to Quality (CTQ) measures
Measure
The measure phase is the second process phase of the DMADV Six Sigma methodology and it focuses on the collection and recording of data that is relevant to the CTQ measures that were identified during the define phase. The data that is collected during the measure phase is imperative to the process, as it will be used to move the rest of the process forward.
Deliverables of the DMADV measure process phase include:
- Compilation of required processes with assigned metrics
- Application of tested process metrics
Analyze
The DMADV analyze phase works hand-in-hand with the measure phase, as the Six Sigma team continues to analyze and test the data that has been collected. During the analyze phase, the project team focuses on establishing the baselines that will be used to measure the process’s improvements throughout the process.
Deliverables of the DMADV analyze process phase include:
- Identification of process areas that will deliver improvements to the final deliverable
- Finalization of processes
Design
The design phase of the DMADV process involves the development of the product or service that correlates with the customer’s needs. During the design phase, the project team uses the newly developed processes to manufacture the customer’s final deliverable and makes any additional adjustments to the processes that are necessary.
Deliverables of the DMADV design process phase include:
- Tested and improved processes
- A deliverable ready for the customer’s feedback
Verify
The verify phase of the DMADV process is the final phase, but is a phase that is ongoing. During the verify phase, the project team receives the initial feedback from the customer and they make the needed process adjustments in order to meet the customer’s needs. The project team also establishes additional CTQ measures in order to track the customer’s feedback after the final product is delivered.
Deliverables of the DMADV verify process phase include:
- Final deliverable that meets the customer’s wants and needs
- Updated and improved processes
- Additional CTQ measures
A DMADV process improvement project may require several months to several years to complete, but its end-result is a product or a service that fully meets the wants and the needs of the customer.
Click here to see the difference between DMAIC and DMADV.
