Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Qualität Funktion Bereitstellung / Español: Despliegue de Función de Calidad / Português: Desdobramento da Função Qualidade / Français: Déploiement de la Fonction Qualité / Italiano: Sviluppo Della Funzione Qualità /

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a method to

• transform user demands into design quality,
• to deploy the functions forming quality, and
• to deploy methods for achieving the design quality into subsystems and component parts, and
• ultimately to specific elements of the manufacturing process..

QFD was developed in Japan in 1966 by Dr. Yoji Akao.

Description

Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a systematic approach to product and service development that involves translating customer requirements into specific design characteristics and production processes. It is a quality management tool that ensures customer needs are met throughout the entire design and production process. QFD involves cross-functional teamwork and the use of various methods and tools to capture, prioritize, and communicate customer requirements effectively. By incorporating customer feedback early on in the development process, QFD helps organizations improve customer satisfaction, reduce time-to-market, and minimize costs associated with rework and quality issues.

Application Areas

• Product development
• Service design
• Process improvement
• Supply chain management
• Quality control

Treatment and Risks

• Treatment: QFD helps organizations identify and prioritize customer requirements, leading to the development of products and services that meet customer expectations.
• Risks: Lack of cross-functional collaboration, inadequate customer feedback, and poor implementation of QFD can lead to subpar products or services that fail to meet customer needs.

Examples

• Designing a new smartphone with specific features based on customer preferences
• Improving a customer service process by incorporating feedback from customers and frontline employees
• Developing a new healthcare service by considering patient needs and preferences

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• House of Quality
• Customer-Driven Design
• Voice of the Customer

Summary

Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a customer-focused approach to product and service development that aims to meet customer requirements through effective communication and prioritization of design characteristics and production processes. It involves cross-functional teamwork and the use of various tools and methods to ensure customer needs are captured and incorporated early on in the development process. By utilizing QFD, organizations can improve customer satisfaction, reduce time-to-market, and minimize costs associated with rework and quality issues.

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