SOA is a systematic approach to IT systems and is aimed at planning, conceptualizing and designing and implementing modular business services. The vision is to achieve results with a model, to enforce standards and technical requirements.

The DFSS-SOA combination provides a methodology that delivers a design suited to this requirement.

Designing Services Optimally – DIDVO

The main aim of  DFSS is to design services optimally in the first place. DFSS using the DIDVO methodology is an excellent tool that can be used to improve the existing SOA, or to create a new one.

Define: Using tools like SIPOC, the project scope is defined and process owners and stakeholders are identified. The most important part is the identification of the project objectives and the goal to initiate the project plan.

All this is included under the project charter, which describes the project details systematically. Using the risk matrix, the project risks are identified. With a detailed interviewing of customers, internal as well as external, the customer requirements are understood.

The prioritization of services is done by quantifying measurable CTQs.

Innovate: This stage is highly relevant, as the conceptual design of the service is developed in this stage, after identifying the service functions which would deliver the defined CTQs.

Using the QFD matrix in this stage, it is easy to prioritize service functions. Innovative solutions are generated using brainstorming sessions. The Pugh matrix may also be used to select the design concept, which is best suited to provide the required services efficiently.

Design: In the design stage, the SIPOC and other tools are used to create a high level design, and the design risks are addressed using DFMEA tools. The mistake proofing of the design is done in this preliminary design phase, using Poke Yoke.

A detailed design is developed after considering the technical and the infrastructural requirements. An evaluation is done of the capability and the robustness of the design.

Control and governance tools such as the design scorecard are put into place. Test units are built into the project plan to confirm the capability of the system. A cost- benefit analysis is undertaken to confirm the feasibility of the system.

Validate: As the name goes, the system has to be validated using prototype programs and undertaking pilot runs, using tests simulated on the requirements.

The design has to conform to the requirements, and then a plan has to be prepared for full implementation and changes made if the design requires any.

Operate: The last stage is launching and managing the service. It involves implementing the new service into the organization. Another important aspect is handing it over to the process owner and putting the control mechanisms into place.

The monitoring system should be established to ensure that the process is performing to standard. A periodic assessment has to be done to maintain the continuous improvement.

The DFSS is a great enabler for building up Service Oriented Architecture to reign in maximum benefits from the system.