APQP for New Products + DMAIC for Process Improvement
APQPSigma is in active development. This experience illustrates the platform we are building.← Back to APQPSigma
Choose Your Project Type
๐ญ
APQP Project
Advanced Product Quality Planning
For launching NEW products with a structured approach from concept through production.
Required for automotive PPAP submissions.
USE CASES:
New product introduction
Major design changes
New supplier qualification
Customer requires PPAP
TIMELINE:
12-24 months (full development cycle)
Not active in this prototype โ APQP project creation is part of the platform we are building.
๐ฏ
DMAIC Project
Six Sigma Process Improvement
For improving EXISTING processes using data-driven Six Sigma methodology.
Reduce defects, improve cycle time, increase yield.
USE CASES:
Reduce defect rates
Improve cycle time
Increase first pass yield
Cost reduction projects
TIMELINE:
3-6 months (improvement project)
Not active in this prototype โ DMAIC project creation is part of the platform we are building.
๐ก Why Both in One Platform?
Most quality teams need both methodologies. Use APQP to successfully launch new products,
then use DMAIC to continuously improve them once in production. One platform, one team, all your quality work.
Phase-by-Phase Comparison
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APQP Phases
Product Launch Methodology
1
Plan & Define
Voice of customer, design goals, feasibility
2
Product Design
DFMEA, design verification, prototype
3
Process Design
PFMEA, control plan, work instructions
4
Validation
Production trial, Cpk studies, PPAP
5
Production
Launch, SPC monitoring, continuous improvement
๐ฏ
DMAIC Phases
Process Improvement Methodology
D
Define
Problem statement, goal, scope, team charter
M
Measure
Data collection, baseline, MSA, capability
A
Analyze
Root cause analysis, hypothesis testing
I
Improve
Solutions, DOE, pilot testing, validation
C
Control
Control plan, SPC, sustain improvements
๐ ๏ธ Shared Tool Library
Most tools work for both methodologies - no duplication needed!
๐ก AI Recommendation: Your Cpk is below target (0.87). Consider running a Fishbone diagram session, then use DOE in the Improve phase to find optimal settings.
๐ญ APQP Project: New Brake Caliper for Ford F-150
1
Plan
2
Design
3
Process
4
Validate
5
Production
๐ Process Design Tasks (5/8 complete)
โ Complete PFMEA
โ Create process flow diagram
โ Develop control plan
โ Write work instructions
โ Plan MSA studies
โฌ Equipment procurement
โฌ Packaging design
โฌ Management support
๐ก Next Milestone: Complete Phase 3 to move to validation. Estimated: 2 weeks. Then prepare for production trial and PPAP submission.