Understanding the product : Backtracking the QFD connections via the product structure

• The subjectivity involved when creating a Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and the need for companies to understand how their product is fulfilling the customer needs are the focus of this paper. Literature is pointing out the subjectivity when using QFD. Therefore, a method was developed and explored with the aim to try to backtrack and verify the QFD connections via the product structure and thereby reduce the uncertainty. The method calculates a connection strength value for the QFD by summoning connection strength values for three matrices: customer requirements to functions, the functions to technical solutions and technical solutions to product properties. The model was implemented in a relation database and tested using a simple product. The test shows some promising results but also shows sources to uncertainty. Some identified reason for uncertainty were for instance unbalanced matrices, difficult estimates of ratios and redundancy in matrices. The test shows that by working with the model and try to understand why the model gives different results than the QFD gives a better understanding of the product.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Annan maskinteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Other Mechanical Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

QFD

Integrated Product Development

Decision Making

Steel Forming and Surface Engineering

Stålformning och ytteknik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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