Companies applying the innovation and design techniques of Six Sigma report median “hard” gains of $200,000 per project, and another $100,000 in “soft” benefits, according to a recent study. The research was conducted by iSixSigma Magazine, and found that even small companies realized comparatively large gains with design for Six Sigma techniques. In larger-than-average companies, the numbers are even more significant. Companies that make $1 billion in annual revenue reported median ‘hard’ gains of $500,000 and ‘soft’ gains of $200,000.

“All of the 1,112 respondents in our survey are using Six Sigma, but only 41 percent are using DFSS methods,” says Michael Cyger, CEP and publisher of the magazine. “Survey respondents used DFSS for both improving process capability and developing new products. These kinds of uses apply to any company, no matter what sector, size or geography. And a person or company can learn design for Six Sigma without having to learn the traditional Six Sigma DMAIC methodology.”

Design for Six Sigma is the design and innovation arm of Six Sigma, and provides a statistical roadmap and toolset for translating what customers want into new products and services.

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