Assembly Quality Method: A Tool in Aid of Product Strategy, Design, and Process Improvements

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes a new methodology for assisting manufacturing companies in predicting the defect levels of new products at globally distributed production facilities. This paper builds on the traditional design for assembly as well as the Total Quality Assurance methods. The proposed method, Assembly Quality Methodology (AQM), uses the conventional assembly evaluation method along with a set of equations to predict defect rates for different assemblies at various manufacturing sites. AQM relates defect rates with the complexity metrics calculated using existing assembly evaluation methods. The paper discusses potential strategic uses of this information such as overall product assembly strategy across globally distributed manufacturing and supply chain, product modularity decisions, and improvements in products and processes for assembly.