qualityfunktioner

Qualityfunktioner, often referred to in Danish contexts as Quality Function Deployment (QFD), is a structured approach to translating customer needs into design and production requirements. Developed in Japan in the late 1960s by Yoji Akao, QFD uses the "House of Quality" as its central planning matrix. The method begins by capturing customer requirements (CRs) and competitive benchmarking; these inputs are translated into design requirements (DRs) and process capabilities.

The core of QFD is the relationship matrix that links CRs to DRs, identifying the strength of how each design feature affects each customer requirement. This is followed by steps to set target values for DRs and to weigh their importance, often using customer input and competitive data. The planning matrix then integrates manufacturing constraints, costs, and timelines.

The typical outputs include a prioritized set of design features, a plan for product and process development, and a basis for cross-functional decision making. QFD is used in new product development and service design, as well as in process improvement initiatives. It emphasizes early customer input, interdepartmental collaboration, and traceability from customer needs to specifications and verification plans.

Benefits include improved alignment with customer priorities, shorter development cycles, and clearer trade-off communication. Limitations include potential complexity and time demands, the need for skilled facilitation, and the risk of overemphasizing quantitative targets without adequate qualitative insights.

See also House of Quality, Quality Function Deployment, customer requirements, design requirements.