The phases and their similarities with the MAIC process are mentioned below.

Identify

This phase involves identifying or defining the Voice of the customers. This forms the basis of the new product or the process being developed. This phase is very relevant as the Critical To Quality (CTQ) is developed in this stage. Keeping in mind the customer requirements, the team prepares a team charter.

The important process of identifying the technical requirements - that is the CTQ variables and specification limits - are identified in this stage. Further, the roles and responsibilities of the teams involved are defined and benchmarks are set for each process.

The similarity with DMAIC is in the usage of tools like QFD (Quality Function Deployment), FMEA (Failure, Means and Effects analysis), SIPOC (Supplier, Input, Product, Output, Customer Product Map) and IPDS (Integrated Product Delivery System).

Design

This phase involves consideration of the functional requirements of the product. An evaluation of the available resources is also done, as well as of alternative processes. A design which best suits the CTQ, identified in the earlier phase, is identified in this phase as well.

This phase also involves developing the design, identifying the risk areas, using FMEA, forming procurement plans and the manufacturing plans as well. This phase finds utility of the tools like risk assessment, FMEA, engineering analysis, DOE (Design of Experiments) and system analysis.

Engineering tools and some simulation tools may also be used.

Optimize

This phase is of high relevance, as it involves the assessment of the endurance levels of the selected business process, using the simulation tools. This phase attains relevance from the fact that it ensures that the process or product design is optimized to achieve a powerful performance and reliable product.

This phase also involves error-proofing the process and setting up tolerance measurement objectives.

The commonly used tools in this phase are the process capability models, Monte Carlo methods, tolerance measurement tools, manufacturing database and flow back tools.

Validate

This is the last phase of IDOV methodology. It involves validating and testing the design that has been selected. If any changes are needed, then they may be made in this phase. To validate prototype tests, performance assessment, failure modes, reliability and risk assessment, design improvements and final phase review are undertaken in this phase.

Some of the tools that are used in this phase are the Accelerated testing, reliability engineering, FMEA and Disciplined new product introduction (NPI). Thus, it ensures that the design developed in this phase meets the customer requirements.

IDOV is used effectively in the manufacturing industry; and the same model is equally useful for Six Sigma projects that involve the development of a new product or service.