Quality Function Deployment and Six Sigma: A QFD Handbook, Second Edition

2. How QFD Fits in the Organization

This chapter sets a context for QFD in terms of the problems QFD helps us solve. While the technical aspects are covered in detail, one must keep in mind the additional value of QFD as a team alignment and communication methodology. This is a team sport, and the value it brings to the members of a cross-functional team while they work through the various aspects of QFD can be enormous. Additionally, the fundamental business challenges of maintaining competitiveness, increasing revenues, decreasing costs, adjusting to market shifts, and reducing the time to produce new products and services can all be enhanced by QFD. With the rapid changes in today’s marketplaces, businesses big and small often change their ...