DMAIC vs DMADV: Difference and Comparison

Key Takeaways

1. Methodologies: DMAIC is used for improving existing processes, while DMADV is used for designing new processes or products.
2. Application: DMAIC focuses on problem-solving and performance optimization, while DMADV emphasizes meeting customer requirements and minimizing risks.
3. Steps: DMAIC involves Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control, while DMADV involves Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, and Verify.

What is DMAIC?

DMAIC is a structured methodology. It gets used in the Six Sigma approach to the process of improvement. It signifies Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. This systematic approach identifies and eliminates the core reasons for defects.

This system aims to improve the quality of an existing product. As mentioned, this is a 5 step process. The first step is to define where the problem gets defined. One also needs to decide the scope of the assignment.

Next comes measures where the existing performance of the operation gets figured. Next, the team analyzes the data to recognize the main reason for defects. Then follows the improvement, where the solutions are contemplated and implemented.

Lastly, the Control monitors the process, ensuring everything functions accurately. It is a powerful device in the field of process improvement. Many industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, use this for significant changes.

What is DMADV?

DMADV is also a methodology in the Six Sigma approach to process improvement. It depicts the Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, and Verify. It is mainly for designing new products or services. Manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries use this approach extensively.

Its first stage is to define under which the responsible team defines the opportunity and requirements put forward by the customers. Then comes measuring, where collecting data is the main work.

Next, the focus goes into analyzing and then designing. The new product or process is created in this stage. In the last phase, the verification comes. It is like a pilot test, cross-checking if the operation executes adequately.

Difference Between DMAIC and DMADV

1. DMAIC is an acronym; if we define it, it means Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. While the acronym DMADV indicates Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify.
2. DMAIC concentrates on improving existing processes, whereas DMADV has focused on developing new strategies or products.
3. If one intends to use DMAIC, the person wants to identify and eliminate the root causes of flaws in a process. While at the same time, one will choose DMADV to design and develop a new product or process.
4. Choosing DMAIC when finding a defect in a process is a necessity. At the same time, DMADV will meet the requirement of producing a new product or process.
5. The strategy of DMAIC is to identify the problem and measure the customer’s needs. After that comes analyzing the source of defects and the development and implementation of the solutions. The monitoring and controlling of the revised process come at the end. But the strategy for DMADV is to identify customer needs first, then analyze the data and develop potential solutions. Ultimately, designing and testing the new process and verifying are necessary.

Comparison Between DMAIC and DMADV

Parameter of Comparison	DMAIC	DMADV
Focus	Focuses on improving existing processes.	It focuses on developing new processes or products.
Meaning	It stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control.	It stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify.
Motive	Its purpose is to identify and eliminate the root causes of flaws in a process.	It is used to develop new processes or products that fulfill consumer needs.
When to apply	It shall be used when you must improve an existing method.	It shall be used when a new process or product is conceived.
The instance of usage	They improve manufacturing techniques to ameliorate shortcomings.	It designs a new product founded on customer requirements.

References

1. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=dafa0b76b2010215cb978631de8de73d50d8b334
2. https://www.inderscienceonline.com/doi/abs/10.1504/IJSSCA.2007.015065

Last Updated : 14 October, 2023