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by Robert Allen Leave a Comment

What is DFx?

What is DFx?

In a previous article, we defined design for six sigma (DFSS) as a thought process focused on maximizing customer value and minimizing cost.

More specifically, DFSS is used to reduce variability in product performance (thereby increasing value), using analytical models and our knowledge of manufacturing variability to enable specification limits on difficult-to-manufacture tolerances to be increased (thereby reducing cost).

Meanwhile, when most people are asked “What is the “x” in DFx?”…a range of answers would be provided (design for assembly, service, procurement, costing, reliability, safety, reuse, etc, etc..).  However:

DFx is focused on design-by-analysis, where design performance is modeled, the model is verified and exercised to optimize the design.

While there’s nothing wrong with a design focus area, we don’t want to miss the key points of the “DFx” thought process.  Let’s review the thought process as follows:

  • Understand Customer Needs
  • Define Initial Design Concept
  • Model Design Performance
  • Optimize the Design (close gaps in modeled design performance)
  • Validate Design and Models
  • Control (control key x’s that influence customer CTQ’s)

The key questions to be asked, therefore, when developing any new product, new service or even a new business process is:  Can the (product, service or process) design be accurately modeled?  Can we learn from the model to optimize the design?

Some examples include:

  • Matlab/Simulink Models
  • Circuit Design Models
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Process Maps
  • Reliability Models

In summary, the DFx objective is robust, optimized designs through validated models rather than through “design by test” and multiple build cycles.  As a result, DFx can significantly reduce design risk and shorten your product (or process) development life cycle.  Also, powerful software, analytic, simulation and emulation tools should enable DFx now more than ever.

Filed Under: Articles, on Leadership & Career, Product Development and Process Improvement Tagged With: Critical to Quality, customer value, Design for Six Sigma, DFSS, DFx, New Product Development, PLC process, product development, product life cycle, Project Management, six sigma

About Robert Allen

Robert Allen has over 25 years of professional experience in the areas of product development, process improvement and project management. Rob was a key contributor to numerous deployments of lean sigma and project management organizations, most notably with Honeywell and TE Connectivity. Included in Rob’s experience are multiple certifications and over 25 years of practice in the development, teaching, execution, and leadership of product lifecycle, lean product development, DFSS, lean six sigma, project management, systems engineering and supply chain.

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Articles by Rob Allen
in the Product Development and Process Improvement series

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