Implementation of DMADV in a Body Armor Manufacturing Company

Abstract

The incoming inspection area of a Body Armor Manufacturing Company is responsible for ensuring all finished products from subcontractors meet all customer and internal requirements. This area has been identified as a bottleneck for the complete manufacturing facility and as ineffective in capturing non-conformance to requirements. After analyzing and implementing the DMADV methodology the incoming inspection area improved effectiveness and efficiency clearing all accumulated material and enhancing internal and external customer satisfaction. This was achieved by dividing the effort in four major groups: requirement flow down, material flow, staffing and non-conforming material management. After one year and four months the design proved adequate and the results reflected a methodical system that provides an effective barrier for material entering the manufacturing process and a mechanism to process non-conforming material minimizing financial impact. Key Terms - First in First Out (FIFO), Material Review Board (MRB), Standard Work Instructions (SWI), Technical Data Package (TDP).