The Two CoreSix Sigma
Methodologies
DMAIC and DMADV are powerful data-driven frameworks designed to eliminate defects, reduce process variation, and deliver measurable business outcomes at scale.
Choose the Right Methodology
Each methodology serves a distinct purpose — one refines what exists, the other builds what doesn’t.
Two methodologies, one mission — zero defects.
Six Sigma provides two structured frameworks to tackle quality challenges. DMAIC is the go-to methodology for optimizing existing products and processes. DMADV (also known as DFSS — Design for Six Sigma) creates entirely new processes or products that meet Six Sigma levels from the ground up.
DMAIC
Data-driven methodology for improving existing products and processes to meet or exceed customer requirements.
Use DMAIC when an existing product or process can be improved to meet customer requirements. Each phase builds on the previous to deliver sustained, measurable improvement.
5 PHASES
Define
Define the project targets and customer deliverables.
Measure
Measure the process to determine current performance.
Analyze
Identify root causes of defects and failures.
Improve
Improve the process by eliminating inefficiencies.
Control
Sustain improvements and monitor future performance.
DMADV
Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology for creating new processes or products that don’t yet exist.
Use DMADV when the existing process doesn’t meet customer specifications even after optimization, or when designing something entirely new.
5 PHASES
Define
Define project goals and customer deliverables.
Measure
Measure the process and current performance levels.
Analyze
Analyze and determine the root causes in the current state.
Design
Design the process in detail to meet customer needs.
Validate
Validate performance and ability to meet customer needs.
DMAIC vs DMADV at a Glance
Understand which methodology best fits your project context before you begin.
| Criteria |
DMAIC
|
DMADV
|
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Improve Existing | Design New |
| When to Use | Product or process exists and can be improved to meet specs | Product or process doesn’t exist, or can’t be fixed through optimization |
| Phase 4 | Improve — Eliminate defects | Design — Build to spec |
| Phase 5 | Control — Sustain gains | Validate — Verify design |
| Framework Type | Standard Six Sigma | DFSS — Design for Six Sigma |
| Typical Duration | 3 – 6 months | 6 – 12 months |
| Output | Optimized, controlled process | Newly designed, validated process or product |
When to Apply Each Framework
Manufacturing Defect Reduction
Production line yielding too many defective units? Apply DMAIC to analyze root causes and implement sustainable controls.
DMAIC
Service Process Optimization
Customer wait times too long? DMAIC can measure, analyze, and improve service delivery to hit performance targets.
DMAIC
New Product Launch
Launching a product that doesn’t yet exist in your portfolio? Design it right the first time using the DMADV framework.
DMADV
Cycle Time Reduction
Bloated delivery pipelines cutting into margins? DMAIC systematically identifies waste and eliminates non-value steps.
DMAIC
New Service Design
Building a new customer experience from scratch? DMADV ensures your design meets Six Sigma quality from day one.
DMADV
Technology Process Build
Designing a new software deployment or IT process? Use DMADV to validate the design meets performance requirements.
DMADV