Applying Design for Six Sigma to Software and Hardware Systems

1. Introduction: History and Overview of DFSS

A Brief Historical Perspective on Six Sigma and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS)

Six Sigma arose during a time when the executive leadership, engineering, manufacturing, and research and development at Motorola were particularly receptive. It came about following several events and efforts. The starting point for this incubation period was in 1979; during the annual Motorola officers meeting that year, Vice President Art Sundry said: “Motorola’s quality stinks.” This assessment had followed dramatic improvements in the quality of television sets produced after the sale of Motorola’s Quasar brand of televisions to Matsushita. Matsushita’s dramatic improvements in quality and reduction in defects, from ...