IDOV is a commonly used Six Sigma methodology and stands for Identify, Design, Optimize and Verify. It is a variant of DFSS or Design For Six Sigma, which is used for designing a completely new product or business process to meet customer needs and specifications or to achieve Six Sigma quality levels. As a methodology, IDOV is very different from DMAIC or define, measure, analyze, improve and control, which is used only for optimizing the existing products or business processes. IDOV consists of four different phases described below:
Identify Phase
The identification phase deals with identifying specific customer needs, based on which a product or business process will be designed. Proper identification of customer needs is very essential for launching a new product or service. In this phase, Six Sigma professionals are required to define VOC or voice of the customer, develop a team and team charter, perform competitive analysis and identify CTQ or critical-to-quality factors.
Some of the most crucial steps in this phase involve the identification of customer and product requirements, establishment of an appropriate business model, identification of technical requirements such as CTQs, allocation of roles and responsibilities and setting up milestones or benchmarks. Some of the main Six Sigma tools used in this phase include QFD or quality function deployment, FMEA or failure means and effects analysis, SIPOC or supplier, input, product, output, customer product map, IPDS or integrated product delivery system, target costing and benchmarking.
Design Phase
The design phase deals with various issues such as functional requirements, development of alternate business processes, evaluation of available options, and selection of the most appropriate business process, based on CTQs that were identified during the first phase. The design phase involves the formulation of concept design, identification of probable risk elements, identification of design parameters by utilizing advanced simulation tools and formulation of procurement plans and manufacturing plans. Some of the main Six Sigma tools used in this phase include smart simple design, risk assessment, FMEA, engineering analysis, materials selection software, simulation, DOE or design of experiments, systems engineering and analysis tools.
Optimize Phase
This phase utilizes CTQs for assessing the tolerance level of a selected business process, with the help of advanced simulation tools. This phase is used for predicting the performance capability of a business process, optimizing existing design and developing alternative design elements. This phase may involve assessment of process capabilities, optimization of design parameters, development of design for robust performance and reliability, error proofing and establishment of tolerance measurement objectives. Some of the most common tools used in this phase include manufacturing database and flow back tools, design for manufacturability, process capability models, robust design, Monte Carlo methods, tolerance measurement tools and Six Sigma tools.
Validate Phase
The last phase of IDOV methodology deals with testing and validating the selected design. Changes to a business process design can be made in this phase. Some of the main steps in this phase include prototype test and validation, assessment of performance, failure modes, reliability and risks, design iteration and final phase review.
Theoretical and Practical Training
Although only the most talented and skilled employees are inducted into the Six Sigma implementation team, businesses still need to provide theoretical and practical training. Six Sigma concepts, tools, and techniques that are utilized during the implementations are quite different and as such it's highly unlikely that team members will be aware of these, especially if it's the first time the business is implementing Six Sigma.
However, since mere technical knowledge is often not enough, businesses also need to provide some form of practical training before actually initiating the implementation process.
Change Management
Employees, who are inducted into the Six Sigma implementation team, often have to shoulder additional responsibilities. This may not be a problem for all members, but it has been noticed that a significant percentage of team members just fail to work properly in the new setup. The main reason for this is usually the human psyche, which naturally resists change.
So, how can businesses solve this problem? Well, the problem is certainly tough, but not completely unsolvable. What businesses need to do is just initiate a change management program for the benefit of the implementation team members. The program should lay stress on getting the communications right, getting regular feedbacks and opinions from team members, teaching time management, and of course providing change management training.
For best results, businesses can also instruct the HR department to conduct personal interview sessions involving team members who might be finding it difficult to cope up with the new challenges.
Peer Support and Guidance
A business may have provided the right training and successfully completed the vital task of managing change, but it still cannot guarantee anything because there still remains the issue of peer support and guidance. Team members need continuous support and guidance from the senior management because it is only then will they feel confident in taking vital decisions on their own. As opposed to these, if there is no proper support, team members will not be able take timely decisions due to fear of the potential consequences. Regular support and guidance is necessary also because it is only the senior management that can sanction men and material as and when needed without affecting the day-to-day functioning of the organization. In effect, it's only with regular support and guidance, will the team members be able to complete the Six Sigma implementations within the planned period and allocated budget.
By concentrating its efforts on these basics, businesses can easily derive the best possible performance from Six Sigma implementation team members. Achieving Six Sigma quality levels and maximum efficiency will then no longer be an issue.
Tony Jacowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from University, Six Sigma and Information Technology. Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online and certification classes for lean six sigm. Tony Jacowski's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.