Planning for Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in Blazer Manufacturing

Planning for Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in Blazer Manufacturing

Krishna Kumar
Head of Production, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited
Email: krishnakumarmft@gmail.com

This capstone project aims to develop a QFD plan for blazer manufacturing. The customer needs that will be considered in the study include fit, comfort, and durability. CTQ characteristics are the features of a product that are most important to customers. ঠে QFD plan will be developed by identifying customer needs, translating them into technical requirements, and developing a plan to meet those requirements. Blazer manufacturing is a complex process that involves a variety of steps, from design to production to marketing. In order to ensure that blazers meet the needs of customers and blazer manufacturing is done by the right quality standards, it is important to have a well-defined quality management plan.

Need for the Study / Importance of the Topic:
The blazer manufacturing industry is facing increasing competition from low-cost manufacturers in countries like China. In order to remain competitive, blazer manufacturers need to find ways to improve the quality of their products. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a quality management tool that can be used to improve the design and manufacturing of products. QFD can be used to identify customer needs, translate those needs into technical requirements, and develop a plan to meet those requirements.

Objectives of the Study:

1. Identify the customer needs for blazers.
2. Identify the critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics for blazers.
3. Develop a QFD matrix to relate customer needs to CTQ characteristics.
4. Develop a plan to meet the CTQ characteristics.

Methodology Used:
The methodology used in this study is a combination of literature review, surveys, and interviews. The literature review was used to identify the different aspects of QFD and its application in blazer manufacturing. The surveys were used to collect data from customers about their needs for blazers. The interviews were used to collect data from experts in the blazer manufacturing industry about the CTQ characteristics for blazers.

Findings of the Study:

• The most important customer needs for blazers are fit, comfort, and durability.
• The CTQ characteristics for blazers are fabric quality, seam construction, and stitching.
• The QFD matrix can be used to relate customer needs to CTQ characteristics.
• A plan can be developed to meet the CTQ characteristics by using the QFD matrix.

Practical Implications of the Findings:
The findings of this study can be used to improve the quality of blazer manufacturing. The QFD matrix can be used to identify the customer needs and CTQ characteristics for blazers. A plan can then be developed to meet the CTQ characteristics. This will help to ensure that blazers meet the needs of customers and are manufactured to the right quality standards.

Significance of the Study:
This study is significant because it can help blazer manufacturers to improve the quality of their products and remain competitive in the global market. The QFD matrix is a powerful tool that can be used to improve the design and manufacturing of products. By using the QFD matrix, blazer manufacturers can ensure that their products meet the needs of customers and are manufactured to the right quality standards

CHAPTER-1

1. INTRODUCTION:
This capstone project will focus on planning QFD in blazer manufacturing process. The project will first define the customer’s needs for blazers. Then, it will identify the CTQ characteristics for blazers. Finally, it will develop the QFD plan for blazer manufacturing process.

The findings of this project will be used to improve the quality of blazer manufacturing. The project will also provide insights into how QFD can be used to improve the quality of other products. It will help to ensure that blazers meet the needs of customers and are manufactured to the right quality standards. The project will also help to improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process. It will address a real-world problem in the blazer manufacturing industry. Further this quality plan can be replicated to all other products in our portfolio.

1.2 OBJECTIVES:

• To define the customer’s needs for blazers.
• To identify the CTQ characteristics for blazers.
• To develop the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) Plan.
• To make recommendations for QFD plan in other products in our portfolio.

1.2.1 To define the customer’s needs for blazers: This objective will be achieved by conducting surveys, interviews, or focus groups with customers. The results of this research will be used to identify the features that are most important to customers.

1.2.2 To identify the CTQ characteristics for blazers: This objective will be achieved by analysing the data collected from the customer research. The CTQ characteristics are the characteristics that are most important to the customer and that have the greatest impact on the quality of the blazer.

1.2.3 To develop the Quality Function Deployment plan: The QFD matrix is a tool that relates the customer’s needs to the design and manufacturing of the The matrix will be developed using the data collected from the customer research and the analysis of the CTQ characteristics.

1.2.4 To make recommendations for QFD plan in other products: Based on the study, recommendations will be made for improving the QFD plan. These recommendations will be made to the blazer manufacturer and other products, will be based on the findings of the study.

CHAPTER-2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Applications of Quality Function Deployment to Apparel Design in Taiwan:
QFD can be used to improve the design of apparel products. The researchers used a combination of the Delphi method and a questionnaire survey to gather data on the critical quality factors for apparel design and consumer demand This data was then used to create a QFD matrix, revealing the relationship between the two factors.

The results of the study showed that the most important quality factors for apparel design were:

• Fabric
• Fit
• Colour
• Design
• Price

The most crucial consumer demand factors were:

• Fashion
• Comfort
• Durability
• Price

The QFD matrix also showed that there was a strong relationship between the two sets of factors. For example, the quality factor of “fabric” was related to the consumer demand factors of “fashion” and “comfort.”

The study concluded that QFD can be a valuable tool for improving the design of apparel products. By understanding the critical quality factors for apparel design and the consumer demand factors, apparel designers can create products that meet the needs of their customers. The study found that the importance of the different quality factors varied depending on the target market. For example, the “price “ quality factor was more important to younger and older consumers. The study also found that the importance of the different consumer demand factors varied depending on the product category. For example, the quality factor of “fashion” was more important for women’s clothing than men’s clothing.

These findings are consistent with other studies on the critical factors to consumers when purchasing apparel products. For example, a study by the NPD Group found that the top three factors consumers consider when purchasing apparel are fit, quality, and price. Another study by the Cotton Council International found that the top three factors consumers consider when purchasing clothing are style, comfort, and durability. These studies suggest that apparel designers should focus on creating products that meet the needs of their target market in terms of fit, quality, price, style, comfort, and durability. By doing so, apparel designers can create products more likely to succeed in the marketplace.

• Understand the needs of your target market: What are the most critical factors to your target market when purchasing apparel products?
• Identify the critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics of your These characteristics are most important to your target market and have the most significant impact on the quality of your products.
• Develop a QFD matrix: The QFD matrix is a tool that can be used to relate the CTQ characteristics to the design and manufacturing of your products.
• Matrix can help you to ensure that your products meet the needs of your target market and that Use the QFD matrix to make decisions about the design and manufacturing of your products. The QFD they are manufactured to the right quality.

2.2 Learnings from the Above Research Papers:

• Use various methods to gather data on the needs of your target market. This could include surveys, interviews, focus groups, and social media.
• Clarity about the scope of the QFD project: What are you trying to achieve? What are the specific products or features that you are focusing on?
• Involve all relevant stakeholders in the QFD process: This will help to ensure that the resulting products meet the needs of everyone
• Be prepared to iterate: The QFD process is not linear. You may need to go back and revise your plans as you learn more about the needs of your target market and the feasibility of your design.

2.3 Tools and Techniques that can be Used in QFD:

1. House of Quality: This matrix is used to map out the relationships between customer requirements, technical requirements, and design alternatives.
2. Prioritization matrices: These matrices are used to prioritize customer requirements and technical requirements.
3. Affinity diagrams: These diagrams are used to group related customer requirements together.
4. Tree diagrams: These diagrams are used to break down customer requirements into smaller, more manageable pieces.
5. Relational diagrams: These diagrams are used to show the relationships between different customer requirements and technical requirements.

2.4 Internal Customer Satisfaction through QFD Technique:
It is a fascinating study on how QFD can be used to improve internal customer satisfaction. The authors used a SERVQUAL-type questionnaire to gather data on the needs and expectations of internal customers and then used QFD to translate these into appropriate service specifications. The study’s results showed that internal customer focus, politeness, and process communication were the three most important factors affecting inner customer satisfaction.

I think this study is a valuable contribution to the literature on QFD and internal customer satisfaction. It provides a practical example of how QFD can be used to improve the quality of service provided to internal customers. The study’s findings suggest that organizations should improve internal customer focus, politeness, and process communication to improve inner customer satisfaction.

I would like to point out a few things about the study. First, the study was conducted in the textile industry, so the results may not be generalizable to other industries. Second, the study only examined three factors affecting internal customer satisfaction. There may be other factors that are also important. Third, the study only used a survey to collect data. Other methods, such as interviews or focus groups, could have been used to gather more in-depth data.

2.5 Insights from the research paper:

• The importance of internal customer focus: This means putting your internal customers’ needs first and ensuring they are satisfied with the services they received.
• The importance of politeness: This means being respectful and courteous to your internal customers, even when they are difficult.
• The importance of process communication: This means keeping your internal customers informed about the status of their work and any changes that may affect them.
• Measure internal customer satisfaction regularly: This will help you to track your progress and identify areas where you can improve. This will help ensure that the changes you make are what they want and need. It takes time and effort to make lasting changes. However, the benefits are worth it.

2.6 Developing a Framework for Implementing Total Quality Management in the Apparel Industry:
It is an exciting study on the implementation of TQM in the apparel industry in Bangladesh. The authors surveyed 50 textile and apparel industries to assess the level of TQM implementation and identified the critical success factors for successful They also proposed a framework for implementing TQM in the apparel industry. The study found that the level of TQM implementation in the apparel industry in Bangladesh is still relatively low. However, there is a growing awareness of the importance of TQM, and many companies are taking steps to implement it. The critical success factors for successful implementation include:

• Senior management commitment
• Employee involvement
• Customer focus
• Use of quality tools and techniques
• Continuous improvement

The authors proposed a framework for implementing TQM in the apparel industry that includes the following steps:

• Create a vision and commitment to TQM
• Assess the current situation
• Develop a plan for implementation
• Implement the plan
• Monitor and evaluate the results

The framework is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the specific needs of each organization. The study is valuable to the literature on TQM in the apparel industry. It provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for implementing TQM in this industry. The framework proposed by the authors is a valuable tool for organizations that are considering implementing TQM. I think the study is well-conducted, and the findings are credible. The authors used a survey to collect data from a representative sample of textile and apparel industries in Bangladesh. The survey questions were carefully developed, and the data was analysed using appropriate statistical methods. The study has several limitations. First, the survey was conducted in 2016, and the findings may not be generalizable to the current situation. Second, the study focused on the apparel industry in Bangladesh, and the results may not apply to other industries or countries.

2.7 The Application of QFD and Pareto Analysis to Assess the Sustainability of the Lifecycle of Textile Products in Turkey:
The study found that the textile industry in Turkey faces several challenges, including the growing popularity of fast fashion, the increasing environmental impact of the industry, and the need to improve the quality of textile products. The study also found that QFD and Pareto analysis can be used to address these challenges by helping companies to understand customer needs better, identify key quality issues, and develop solutions to improve the sustainability of their products.

I think this study is a valuable contribution to the literature on the textile industry and sustainability. It provides insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and demonstrates how QFD and Pareto analysis can address these challenges. The study also highlights the importance of quality in the textile industry, and it suggests that companies can improve the sustainability of their products by focusing on quality.

I agree with the authors that QFD and Pareto analysis are valuable tools for improving the sustainability of textile products. QFD can be used to identify customer requirements and to translate these requirements into technical specifications. Pareto analysis can be used to determine the most critical quality issues so companies can focus on improving these issues. I think this study is a good starting point for further research on applying QFD and Pareto analysis to the textile industry. The authors have identified several challenges facing the sector and proposed several solutions. However, further research is needed to test these solutions and to determine their effectiveness.

2.8 The Best Practices and Insights from the Paper:

• The importance of understanding customer needs: The first step to improving the sustainability of textile products is to understand what customers want. This can be done through market research, customer surveys, and focus groups. Once customer needs are understood, companies can develop products that meet those needs.
• The use of QFD: QFD (Quality Function Deployment) is a tool that can be used to translate customer needs into technical requirements. This can help companies to develop more sustainable products. For example, if customers want a durable product, QFD can be used to identify the technical characteristics that will make the product durable.
• The use of Pareto analysis: Pareto analysis is a tool that can be used to identify the most critical quality issues. This can help companies focus on improving the most important issues. For example, if Pareto analysis shows that the most expected quality problem is fabric defects, companies can focus their efforts on improving the quality of the fabric.
• The use of life cycle assessment: Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool that can be used to assess the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle. This can help companies to identify ways to make their products more For example, LCA can be used to determine the environmental impact of the materials used to produce a consequence, the energy used to make the product, and the waste generated by the product.
• The use of green manufacturing: Green manufacturing is a set of practices that can be used to reduce the environmental impact of This can include methods such as using recycled materials, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing waste.

By following these practices, companies can improve the sustainability of their textile products:

• The textile industry is a significant contributor to environmental The production of textiles requires a lot of water, energy, and chemicals. The disposal of textile waste also pollutes the environment.
• The growing popularity of fast fashion puts even more pressure on the Fast fashion refers to the practice of quickly producing and selling cheap clothing. This leads to a high volume of textile waste.
• There are several ways to improve the sustainability of the textile industry. These include using recycled materials, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing
• Companies can also use tools such as QFD and Pareto analysis to improve the sustainability of their products.
• The textile industry faces several challenges, but several opportunities exist to improve its By taking steps to improve the sustainability of their products, companies can play a role in protecting the environment.

2.9 Productivity of Textile Industry and Textile Products in Central Java:
Study on the productivity of the textile industry in Central Java, The study found that the sector’s productivity has decreased in recent years and is due to several factors, including the increasing use of labour-saving technology, the rising cost of energy, and the growing competition from foreign producers. The study also found that the effectiveness of new product development in the textile industry is low. This is due to several factors, including the lack of funding for research and development, the lack of skilled workers, and the lack of a clear understanding of market demand.

The study concludes by recommending several policies to improve the productivity of the textile industry in Central Java. These policies include:

• Increasing investment in research and development
• Providing training for workers in new technologies
• Promoting cooperation between businesses and universities
• Developing new marketing strategies to reach new markets

I think this study is a valuable contribution to the literature on the textile industry in Indonesia. It provides insights into the sector’s challenges and suggests potential solutions. I hope that the government and businesses in Central Java will take the findings of this study seriously and implement the recommended policies. I agree with the study’s authors that the textile industry’s productivity in Central Java needs to be improved. The industry is facing several challenges, and it is essential to take steps to address these challenges. I think the policies recommended by the authors are a good starting point. However, it is essential to note that these policies will not be enough alone. The government and businesses in Central Java also need to create a supportive environment for the textile industry, such as by providing access to finance and infrastructure.

2.10 Quality Function Deployment (QFD) – A Means for Developing Usable Products:
The QFD method was used in the case study to translate the user needs of safety shoe users in the cold climate into product characteristics. The QFD analysis revealed that the features of the steel toecap were receiving the highest overall weighting, which means that improving the design of the steel toecap would lead to higher customer satisfaction. The QFD method is a systematic and logical method for translating customer needs into product characteristics. The method is easy to understand and use and can be used by companies of all sizes. The QFD method has some limitations. One limitation is that the method assumes the customer’s needs are known. In some cases, it may be challenging to determine the customer needs. Another limitation is that the method is time-consuming and requires much work. Despite the limitations, the QFD method is valuable for developing usable products. The method can be combined with other ways, such as ergonomic evaluation methods, to improve the quality of the product development process.

2.11 Sustainability Assessment in The Textile and Apparel Industry: A Review of Recent Studies
It is a good review of recent studies on sustainability assessment in the textile and apparel industry. The article discusses the three pillars of sustainability (economic, social, and environmental) and how they have been applied to the textile industry. The article also discusses the different levels at which sustainability assessment can be conducted (sector, product, process, and company).

The article concludes by discussing the challenges and opportunities for sustainability assessment in the textile industry. The challenges include the lack of standardized indicators, difficulty measuring social and environmental impacts, and lack of stakeholder engagement. The opportunities include the increasing demand for sustainable products, the development of new technologies, and the growing awareness of sustainability issues.

2.12 The Key Points from the Article:

• The textile and apparel industry is a significant contributor to environmental problems, such as water pollution, air pollution, and climate change.
• There is a growing demand for sustainable textiles, but there is a lack of standardized indicators to measure sustainability.
• Sustainability assessment can be conducted at different levels, including the sector, product, process, and company levels.
• The challenges of sustainability assessment in the textile industry include the lack of standardized indicators, the difficulty of measuring social and environmental impacts, and the lack of stakeholder engagement.

The opportunities for sustainability assessment in the textile industry include the increasing demand for sustainable products, the development of new technologies, and the growing awareness of sustainability issues.

2.13 The Implementation of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in Tire Industry:
This research was conducted using a qualitative approach. The data were collected through interviews with experts in the tire industry and through a survey of customers who have used tires from different brands. The data were analysed using the QFD method. The research findings suggest that the tire industry should focus on developing tires that meet the most critical customer requirements: safety, durability, comfort, and performance. The research findings also suggest that the tire industry should focus on developing tires with safe tread designs and high-quality compounds.

2.14 Insights from this Paper:
The paper uses the QFD method to understand the relationship between customer requirements and technical requirements for tires. They found that the most critical customer requirements for tires are safety, durability, comfort, and performance. This is consistent with the findings of other studies on customer requirements for tires. It also makes several recommendations for the tire industry, including focusing on developing tires with safe tread designs, high-quality compounds, durability, comfort, and high performance. The tire industry can use these recommendations to improve their products and meet the needs of their customers. The paper also shows how the QFD method can be used to translate customer requirements into technical requirements. This can help businesses to develop products that meet the needs of their customers cost-effectively. The paper is a valuable resource for firms in the tire industry and other industries that want to improve their products and meet the needs of their customers.

2.15 “Using OWA Aggregation Technique in QFD: a Case Study in Education in a Textile Engineering Department.”:
The paper published in Qual Quant in 2009 proposes a method for using the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) aggregation technique in QFD applications. QFD is a systematic approach for translating customer requirements into technical requirements. OWA is an aggregation technique that can be used to combine multiple opinions or criteria into a single ranking. The paper applies the proposed method to a case study in the education sector. The authors surveyed students in a textile engineering department to identify their needs and opinions about education. They then used OWA to aggregate the students’ responses and prioritize their needs.

The study results showed that the students’ most critical needs were for better teaching methods, more time for students outside of class, and more practice opportunities. The authors concluded that the proposed method can effectively prioritize customer needs in QFD applications.

2.16 Summary of the Steps Involved in the Proposed Method:

• Identify the customer requirements.
• Select the OWA aggregation technique.
• Determine the weights for the OWA operators.
• Aggregate the customer requirements using OWA.
• Prioritize the customer requirements.

The following are some of the advantages of using the proposed method:

• It is a flexible method that can be used to aggregate multiple opinions or criteria.
• It is a relatively simple method to implement.
• It is effective in previous studies.

2.17 There are also Some Limitations to the Proposed Method:

• It is a subjective method, and the results can depend on the weights that are chosen for the OWA operators.
• It is not always clear how to choose the weights for the OWA operators.

Overall, the proposed method is promising for OWA aggregation in QFD applications. It is a flexible and relatively simple method that is effective in previous studies. However, it is essential to be aware of the limitations of the method, such as the subjectivity of the results and the difficulty of choosing the weights for the OWA operators of the competing products or services for each customer requirement.

2.18 Research Methodology:
The methodology section of this capstone project will describe the methods and tools used to collect and analyse data. It will also describe the steps taken to develop and implement the QFD plan.

Data collection:

The data collection methods used were surveys and interviews:

Surveys: A survey was conducted with 100 blazer customers. The survey asked questions about the customer’s needs for blazers, the CTQ characteristics for blazers, and the importance of these characteristics.

Interviews: Interviews were conducted with 10 blazer experts. The interviews asked questions about the design and blazer manufacturing, and the importance of QFD in improving the quality of blazer manufacturing.

Focus groups: Focus groups are a good way to collect qualitative data from a group of people.

Data analysis: Data analysis is the process of organizing and interpreting data. There are many different methods of data analysis, and the best method to use will depend on the type of data you have collected.

Tools:

• QFD matrix: The QFD matrix is a tool that can be used to relate customer needs to CTQ characteristics.
• DFSS: DFSS is a systematic approach to designing products and processes that meet customer requirements and are defect-free.
• Lean manufacturing: Lean manufacturing is a set of principles that can be used to improve the efficiency of manufacturing processes.

2.19 Scope of the Study:

• The study will focus on the application of QFD in the blazer manufacturing industry.
• The study will identify the customer needs for blazers.
• The study will identify the CTQ characteristics for blazers.
• The study will develop a QFD plan for blazer.
• The study will evaluate the effectiveness of the QFD plan.

2.20 Limitations of the Study:

• The study was conducted in a single company, so the results may not be generalizable to other companies.
• The study only considered the customer needs for Other factors, such as the cost of blazer manufacturing and the availability of materials, were not considered.
• The study did not consider the impact of QFD on the overall performance of the company.
• The study was conducted over a short period of time, so the long-term impact of QFD could not be assessed.
• The study was based on self-reported data from customers.
• The study did not consider the cultural differences between This could affect the interpretation of the results.
• The study did not consider the impact of changes in technology on the blazer manufacturing This could affect the validity of the findings in the future.

CHAPTER-3

QUALITY FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT PLAN IN BLAZER MANUFACTURING:

3.1 Team of Stakeholders:
Based on the above literature review and identified methodology, we formed a cross-functional Team within our manufacturing unit to devise a plan for QFD in the blazer manufacturing process.

3.2 Identification of Customer Requirements:
We have done a survey with customers in and around Bengaluru to understand the voice of the customers regarding

3.3 Customer Needs in Blazer:
We have analysed data and feedback from customer and focus group to understand the requirements; with the evolving priorities, customers want more like more style variations, more functionalities, more sustainability, and higher quality with affordable price.

We found the three keywords to enhance customer satisfaction, which is agreed upon by all of our stakeholders.

3.4 Translating Customer Requirements into Technical Requirements:

• Fabric: The fabric should be soft, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant. It should also be durable and able to withstand repeated wear and tear.
• Fit: The blazer should fit well and be comfortable to It should not be too tight or too loose.
• Colour: The colour of the blazer should be stylish and appropriate for the It should also be flattering to the wearer’s skin tone.
• Design: The design of the blazer should be stylish and It should also be functional and practical.
• Construction: The blazer should be well-constructed and made with high-quality It should be free of defects and should last for many years.
• Price: The price of the blazer should be reasonable and It should be affordable for the target market.

3.5 Risk Factors:

Table: 3.1 Risk factors

3.6 Quality Characteristics of Blazer:

• Fabric: The fabric should be soft, breathable, flexible, and wrinkle-resistant. It should also be durable and able to withstand repeated wear and tear.
• Breathability: The blazer should allow the skin to breathe and prevent sweating.
• Wrinkle-resistance: The blazer should resist wrinkles and maintain its shape even after being worn and folded.
• Durability: The blazer should be able to withstand repeated wear and tear without tearing or pilling.
• Fit: The blazer should fit well and be comfortable to It should not be too tight or too loose.
• Chest size: The blazer should fit snugly around the chest without being too tight.
• Waist size: The blazer should fit snugly around the waist without being too tight.
• Arm length: The blazer’s sleeves should be the perfect length, not too short or too long.
• Shoulder width: The shoulders of the blazer should fit snugly without being too tight.
• Matching: The colour of the blazer should match the other elements of the outfit, such as the shirt, pants, and shoes.
• Design: The design of the blazer should be stylish and It should also be functional and practical.
• Stylish: The blazer should have a stylish and fashionable design.
• Contemporary: The blazer should have a modern and up-to-date design.
• Functional: The blazer should be functional and practical, with features such as pockets and buttons.
• Construction: The blazer should be well-constructed and made with high-quality It should be free of defects and should last for many years.
• Seams: The seams of the blazer should be strong and well-stitched.
• Lining: The blazer should have a soft and comfortable lining.
• Buttons: The blazer’s buttons should be durable and not fall off easily
• Price: The price of the blazer should be reasonable and It should be affordable for the target market.

3.7 Relationship Between Customer Requirement and Quality Characteristics:
The relationships between the customer requirements and the quality characteristics can be determined by using a variety of methods, such as:

• Customer surveys: Asking customers to rate the importance of different customer requirements and quality characteristics.
• Focus groups: Conducting focus groups with customers to discuss their needs and wants for a blazer.
• Expert judgment: Consulting with experts in the fashion industry to get their insights on the relationships between customer requirements and quality characteristics.

Table: 3.2 Relationship Between Customer Requirement and Quality Characteristics

3.8 QFD Matrix for Quality Characteristics:
The QFD matrix is a tool that can translate customer requirements into technical requirements and identify the relationships between the different requirements. It is a powerful tool that can help you to improve the quality of your products and services.

The QFD matrix is divided into four quadrants:

• Customer Requirements: These are the needs and wants of the customers.
• Technical Requirements: These are the specific product or service characteristics that will meet the customer requirements.
• Relationships: These are the relationships between the customer and technical requirement.
• Importance: This is the importance of each customer requirement.
• Competitive Benchmark: This is the level of performance.
• Target Value: This is the desired level of performance for each customer requirement.

3.9 QDF Matrix for Quality Characteristics:

Table: 3.3 QFD matrix for quality characteristics

3.10 The Process Plans of a Blazer Manufacturing can be Divided into the Following Stages:

1. Fabric selection: The fabric for the blazer should be soft, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant. It should also be durable and able to withstand repeated wear and tear. The fabric should be selected based on the customer requirements, the target market, and the budget.

• The fabric can be made from various materials, such as wool, cotton, or The specific material will depend on the desired properties of the blazer, such as its weight, warmth, and drape.
• The fabric should be of good quality and free of defects. It should also be compatible with the other materials that will be used in the blazer, such as the lining and buttons.

2. Pattern making: The pattern for the blazer should be designed to fit the customer’s needs and The pattern should be made from a sturdy material, such as paper or cardboard, and it should be accurate and detailed.

• The pattern maker will need to take measurements of the customer’s body to ensure that the blazer manufacturing fits appropriately.
• The pattern should be made easily to allow for movement and comfort.

3. Cutting: The fabric is cut according to the The cutting process should be accurate and precise to ensure the blazer is made to the correct size and shape.

• The cutting process can be done by hand or by machine.
• The fabric should be cut with sharp blades to prevent fraying.

4. Sewing: The blazer is sewn together according to the pattern. The sewing process should be careful and meticulous to ensure that the blazer manufacturing is well-made and durable.

• The seams should be firm and evenly spaced.
• The buttons should be sewn on securely.

5. Finishing: The blazer is finished by adding buttons, lining, and other finishing touches. The finishing process should be done carefully to ensure the blazer is finished to a high standard.

• The buttons should be of good quality and match the style of the blazer.
• The lining should be soft and comfortable.
• Other finishing touches, such as hems and vents, should be done neatly and precisely.

These are just the basic steps involved in blazer manufacturing. The specific process plans will vary depending on the particular product and the target market. It is essential to consider the needs and wants of the customer when developing the process plans.

3.11 Measurement System:

Table: 3.4 Measurement system

The specific measurement systems that will be used will vary depending on the particular product and the target market. It is essential to consider the needs and wants of the customer when selecting the measurement systems.

3.12 Communication Matrix for Stakeholder:

Table: 3.5 Communication matrix for stakeholders

3.13 Methodology for Quality Function Deployment Plan:

• Assemble a team of stakeholders: This team should include representatives from all areas of the organization that will be involved in the blazer manufacturing process, such as designers, engineers, production staff, and marketing personnel, cross functions within the manufacturing unit who are subject matter experts.
• Identify the customer requirements: This can be done by surveying customers, conducting focus groups, or reviewing customer feedback. The goal is to identify the most critical factors that customers consider when buying a blazer.
• Translate the customer requirements into technical requirements: This involves identifying the specific characteristics of the blazer manufacturing that need to be designed to meet the customer requirements. For example, if a customer requires a comfortable blazer, the technical requirements might include a soft fabric, a relaxed fit, and adjustable sleeves.
• Develop the quality characteristics: These are the measurable characteristics of the blazer that will be used to evaluate whether the product meets the customer’s For example, the quality characteristic for “comfortable” might be “the blazer must have a fabric with a softness rating of 7 or higher.”
• Determine the relationships between the customer requirements and the quality characteristics. This involves identifying how the different customer requirements affect the different quality characteristics. For example, the customer requirement for “fashionable” might be related to the quality characteristics of “colour” and “design.”
• Set target values for the quality characteristics: These are the desired values for the quality characteristics that will meet the customer For example, the target value for the quality characteristic of “softness” might be 7.
• Develop the process plans: These are the plans for how the blazer will be manufactured to meet the target values for the quality
• Establish the measurement systems: These are the systems that will be used to measure the quality characteristics of the blazer.
• Communicate the plan to all stakeholders: This is important to ensure that everyone involved in the blazer manufacturing process understands the plan and their role in it.
• Monitor the process and adjust as needed: The QFD plan is not static. It should be monitored and adjusted as needed to ensure that the blazer meets the customer’s requirement.

CHAPTER-4

CONCLUSION

Learnings from Literature Review

The following are the key learnings from the literature review:

• QFD is a quality management tool that can be used to improve the design and manufacturing of product.
• QFD has been used in a variety of industries, including the apparel industry.
• The most important customer needs for blazers are fit, comfort, and durability.
• The CTQ characteristics for blazers are fabric quality, seam construction, and stitching quality.
• The QFD matrix is a tool that can be used to relate customer needs to CTQ characteristics.
• The implementation of QFD requires a commitment from all stakeholders in the product development process.

In addition to the key learnings mentioned above, the literature review also provides some insights into the challenges of implementing QFD in the apparel industry. These challenges include:

• The need to gather and synthesize information from a variety of
• The need to develop a consensus among stakeholders on the importance of customer needs and CTQ
• The need to ensure that the QFD process is integrated into the product development

Despite these challenges, the literature review suggests that QFD can be a valuable tool for improving the quality of blazers. By carefully considering customer needs and CTQ characteristics, QFD can help to ensure that blazers manufacturing is complete by the right quality standards.

Using the QFD document agreed by all our stakeholders and cross functions in the blazer manufacturing unit. We will do a pilot study on one of our brands, which have revised the internal audit from a random sampling technique to 100% inspection of all garment.

Further Firewall audit planned as per AQL inspection method. Once we are satisfied with a minimum of 5 lots (purchase order with an average quantity of 500 units), we will do the horizontal deployment QFD plan and process across the product portfolio.

REFERENCES:

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Mazharul Islam Kiron

Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.

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