Achieving robust designs through quality engineering : Taguchi method

Development processes must be constantly reviewed to quickly provide superior products that meet the complex demands of the marketplace. Quality engineering (also known as the Taguchi Method) is a systematized methodology for technology development that is attracting much attention. Quality engineering focuses on the functionality (generic functions) of products and separates the components of systems into three function categories: signal factors, control factors, and error factors. Although quality engineering may be difficult to understand for engineers used to conventional methods, it should be actively promoted to change their mindset as well as that of the divisions to which they belong. This will help ensure innovation in manufacturing. This paper outlines efforts made to promote quality engineering and analytical tools such as WebSTAT and ParaNAVI that are used to support it. It also gives examples of its application in simulation, the development of process materials, and software evaluation.