Using DOE to Solve a Product Development Problem

– An iSixSigma Case Study

Maria di Nucci and Paolo Mancuso February 26, 2010

(DOE07)

 

Design of experiments (DOE) is a useful tool for determining specific factors affecting defect levels in a product.

A major automotive company learned just how valuable this tool is when it conducted a study of defects occurring in its alternator product.

DOE was applied to identify the cause of ventilation noise within the alternator, a problem that led to customers rejecting the product.

The resolution of the problem represented an important goal for the future production strategy of the automotive firm.

Application of the DOE methodology suggested that a great improvement of the product is achievable through a better shape of the claw pole as well as the bracket. As a result, the firm can expect to reduce the incidence of customer rejection of its alternator product.