Title: QFD integrated value stream mapping: an enabler of lean manufacturing

Authors: R. Mohanraj, M. Sakthivel, S. Vinodh

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Anna University of Technology, Coimbatore 641047, Tamil Nadu, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Anna University of Technology, Coimbatore 641047, Tamil Nadu, India. ' Department of Production Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli 620015, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: Lean manufacturing is a manufacturing philosophy which focuses on elimination of wastes and enables process streamlining. Value stream mapping (VSM) is a lean manufacturing technique that is capable of tracking wastes, thereby streamlining the processes. However, the framework of VSM does not enable the systematic identification of wastes as well as the techniques to eliminate them. In this context, this paper presents a study in which quality function deployment (QFD) technique has been used for scientific prioritisation of wastes and techniques for waste elimination. This paper is exemplified with a case study conducted in an Indian pump manufacturing organisation.

Keywords: lean manufacturing; value stream mapping; quality function deployment; waste elimination; integrated mapping; process streamlining; waste tracking; systematic identification; scientific prioritisation; wastes; India; pump manufacturers; Mayur Industries; Coimbatore; Tamil Nadu; productivity; quality management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2011.040546

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2011 Vol.7 No.4, pp.501 - 522

Published online: 02 Jun 2011 *

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