Quality function deployment in concurrent product/process development

Most approaches to Quality Function Deployment (QFD) are based upon the four phase Macabe Method. The Macabe Method takes customer requirements and uses a QFD matrix to convert them into product characteristics. Similarly, the product characteristics are converted into part characteristics, part characteristics are converted into process characteristics, and process characteristics are finally converted into production controls. This paper discusses the application of QFD as part of concurrent product and process development projects. A general roadmap which focuses on concurrency is presented. The different matrices which are commonly used are described. The actual roadmaps for the development of a mechanical product and the development of a software package are used to demonstrate the need for flexibility of application