Design for Six Sigma and Lean Product Development

The Asian Journal on Quality / Vol. 8, No. 3

23

Design for Six Sigma and Lean Product Development : Differences, Similarities and Links
Jean‐Baptiste Fouquet, MSc
†

Ida Gremyr, Ph.D. Assistant Professor At Quality Sciences, Chalmers University, Göteborg, Sweden E-mail: [e-mail], [e-mail]

Abstract1)
Many practitioners strive to increase the efficiency of their product development. In addition, smaller companies must satisfy customers’ expectations of their product development. These expectations can be e.g. use of specific methodologies such as Lean Product Development (LPD) and/or Design for Six Sigma (DFSS). This study attempts to identify differences and similarities between these methodologies and the connection between them. This comparison is of interest to practitioners that must choose a strategy for their product development as well as to researchers. The aim of both methodologies is to reduce waste and time of development and to raise the quality of a product at the very roots of the product: its development. LPD and DFSS help development managers to structure projects and focus as much as possible on customer expectations and satisfaction. Key Words: DFSS, Lean, LPD, Product Development, Six Sigma

1. Introduction
This research began with the initiation of a general discussion between customers, suppliers and scholars concerning the way product development (PD) should be carried out to be most efficient and how a supplier can best respond to customers’ expectations in PD. This strategic sector is under increasing pressure for efficiency since many companies have increased their production capability (Liker and Morgan, 2006). Two methodologies have helped manufacturing to reach satisfactory levels of competitiveness: Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing (Womack, Jones and Roos, 1992, Harry and Schroeder, 2000). Six Sigma is an improvement methodology that guides companies toward achieving a six‐sigma level of

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