Quality Improvement - PDCA Cycle vs. DMAIC and DFSS

To achieve continuous quality improvements each organization needs to use an appropriate selection of tools and techniques. The fundamental requirements for success in that endeavour is a clear understanding, both of the tools and techniques as well as the process by which they could be applied. The paper brings overview and fields of application of PDCA, Six Sigma and DFSS techniques for continuous quality improvement of products, processes and services. PDCA cycle is a simple to understand concept of continuous quality improvement, the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology is systematic and fact based project management approach, while DFSS methodology is a systematic approach to product or process design including all organization functions.