Systems thinking

Dealing with design for six sigma (DFSS) one must be able to think in a system approach. A system may be considered to be a nucleus of elements structured to accomplish a function and satisfy an identified need. A system may also vary in form, fit and function. For example, a world communication network, a group of aircraft accomplishing a mission at a designated geographical location, or a small ship transporting cargo from one location to another are all considered systems. On the other hand, examples of a functional system are a financial system, a quality system, a purchasing system and a design system. The elements of a system include all equipment, related facilities, material, software, data, services and personnel required for its operation and support, to the degree that it can be considered a self-sufficient entity in its intended operational environment, throughout its planned life cycle.

DFSS relates to the support of a system and includes the elements of test and support equipment, supply support, personnel and training, transportation and material handling, special facilities, computer resources, data and so on, necessary for the accomplishment of breakthrough innovations in design of process, product and/or service. It is imperative that the experimenter or engineer, when pursuing improvements with six sigma, take a holistic approach, so that all interactions and interfaces are accounted for. The more aware the experimenter or engineer is of the parameters, interactions and the interfaces of the undertaken study, the greater the chance of success.