Using quality function deployment in manufacturing strategic planning

Abstract

Describes efforts to extend the use of quality function deployment (QFD) to manufacturing strategy development. QFD uses a house of quality to translate the “voice of the customer” into engineering specifications. Originally developed and applied as a powerful tool for concurrent product and process design, QFD is widely used in industry as a technique within total quality management (TQM). The approach has only recently been applied in strategic planning. Describes how the traditional QFD concepts and methods can be used in the formulation of manufacturing strategy to ensure alignment with business strategy. Presents a case study at a powdered metals manufacturer to show how the QFD methodology can be adapted for use in manufacturing strategy formulation.