Background In this case study, we are a compressor manufacturer in the process of developing a new type of compressor. Our project team was charged with developing the design for the compressor using Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) tools and techniques. As we worked through the DMA DV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify) process, we used simulation and optimization to provide project justification, lend insight into the critical drivers of quality, and help create a cost effective design th at meets customer requirements. For DFSS, critical benefits of simulation and optimization are the ability to prototype new products or processes without an appreciable investment of time or money, minimal defects, and sales driven through improved customer satisfaction. Define The first step in our Six Sigma process was to estimate the financial impact of this project. We started by developing a simple spreadsheet model (DFSS Case Study Defin e.xls) in Microsoft ® Excel to take into
Continuous efforts to reduce variation in process outputs is key to business success