Conference article

This research began with the initiation of a general discussion between customers; suppliers and scholars concerning the way product development (PD) should be carried out to be most efficient and how a supplier can best respond to customers’ expectations in PD. This strategic sector is under increasing pressure for efficiency since many companies have increased their production capability (Liker & Morgan; 2006). Two methodologies have helped manufacturing to reach satisfactory levels of competitiveness: Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing (Womack; Jones & Roos; 1992; Harry & Schroeder; 2000). Six Sigma is an improvement methodology that guides companies toward achieving a six-sigma level of capability and Lean Manufacturing is a philosophy that guides a company toward reducing the wastes in manufacturing and streamlining processes. Two sisters’ initiatives have been created for PD needs: Lean Product Development (LPD) and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) (Reinertsen; 2005; Gremyr; 2005). This paper explores the two methodologies and tries to give a comparison in order to fill the lack thereof that seems to exist in the literature and provide insight to academicians and practitioners to perhaps find a “hybrid” method.

DFSS; Lean; LPD; Product Development; Six Sigma