Summary
Manufacturing companies should implement powerful strategies and processes in order to deliver superior products to the customers. The presented reading focused on the quality function deployment (QFD) concept. The author indicates that QFD is a powerful tool for the introduction and improvement of new services or products. The QFD system is used to translate customers’ needs into the best requirements at each production stage. This means that companies should collect feedback and reviews from the customers throughout the manufacturing, product development, and marketing processes. The approach makes it easier for companies to identify and prevent problems before they affect the production process. Companies that use the model find it easier to address emerging problems and promote the emerging needs of the customers.
The QFD process is continuous process that guides firms to define the targeted objectives. The first step should be to “define what”. During this phase, the requirements of the customers are outlined and analyzed. Issues such as excitement, performance, and basic requirements should be considered. This is followed by defining how. During this step, the identified whats are translated into hows. The main target is to understand how the requirements of the customers can be satisfied. The third step guides companies to define the relationship between the hows and the whats. For instance, the company understands how the hows can be implemented to support the whats. The final step is analyzing whether the identified whats are covered fully by the hows. The use of this approach will ensure the targeted products are supported using the right experience, planning, and resources. Teams should work together in order to ensure the processes are informed by the customers’ expectations.
Ideas that Can Be Used from the Book
Our company is planning to come up with a product that resonates with the changing needs of the customers. The computer company is also planning to support its brand name in order to tackle the problem of competition. The ideas presented in the book will definitely support the product development process. To begin with, the QFD is a powerful philosophy that will guide the manufacturing process. For example, the emerging needs and expectations of the customers will be used to dictate the manner in which the product is developed. The four steps of the QFD will be used in a proper manner. Through the use of the steps, the company will find it easier to identify and prevent problems that might be costly if left unaddressed. The pioneers at the company will focus on the best approaches to identify the product attributes that can satisfy the needs of the customers.
The concepts of teamwork and collaboration will be used throughout the product development process. The approach will ensure the QFD philosophy is implemented successfully. The involved parties will be provided with the required resources in order to prevent errors before the initial product launch. The concept of continuous improvement before launching the final product will improve the firm’s competitiveness. The individuals at the company will be required to become advocates of the targeted customers. The unique attributes and competitive edges of the existing rivals will be considered in order to improve our product. Another important issue is that various organizational processes such as total quality management (TQM) will be implemented in order to ensure the product delivered to the customer speaks for itself.