Optimization of scalable product platform using quality function deployment

In order to minimize the total quality loss caused by commonization, this paper proposes a QFD-based method to obtain the appropriate values for platform engineering characteristics (ECs) and non-platform ECs of the product variants. Firstly, a QFD optimization approach is used to determine the optimal ECs for each product variant. By using clustering analysis or heuristic method, the set of platform ECs and the number of groups for each EC are decided according to the calculated sensitivity indices of the ECs. Then a mathematical model based on QFD is developed to simultaneously optimize the values of the determined platform ECs and non-platform ECs of the product variants. Finally in this paper, a case study is used to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach.