The TRACXS solution is based on Quality
Function Deployment. QFD is both a tool and a method
for improving the organization. The tool documents the
results of the design process while the method implements
a cooperative system for managing the design process.
Both are needed to use the full power of QFD.
1) Developing a formal plan to
implement the TRACXS solution
The plan is developed by a team
of senior managers. The plan should include a
method of establishing critical design milestones,
tracking approvals, assigning staff and other
resources to a design project.
2) Forming and training the teams
The TRACXS solution is intended
to be used by teams with members from the different
disciplines found in the organization. Two types
of teams need to be formed. One type of team is
a design process council whose job is to ensure
the process is documented, implemented, and monitored.
The other type of team is involved in the design
of a product or service.
Staff will need to be trained about
what is expected from them when they are following
the design cycle and the will have to learn to
use the software. Experience has shown that a
team should be brought together and trained in
how to function as a team before they learn about
the process or tools. Once the individuals have
leaned of their duties on a team they learn the
process. As part of learning the process the team
learns how to use the required tools and to interpret
the data generated.
4) Implementing the TRACXS solution
for the design process
A specific timetable is built for
each project. Critical milestones are identified.
People are assigned to the project. Other resources
are acquired for the project. People conduct the
design.
5) Measuring the effectiveness
of the implementation of the TRACXS solution
As the project proceeds data on
the time taken to do the work are collected. Results
of design reviews are recorded. These data are
compared to what was planned.
6) Improving the implementation
of the TRACXS solution
The results of the data collection
are used to improve the quality of planning and
an future implementation of the TRACXS solution.
Why you need to implement QFD
The TRACXS solution is intended
to be used by teams with members from the different
disciplines found in the organization. Two types
of teams need to be formed. One type of team is
a design process council whose job is to ensure
the process is documented, implemented, and monitored.
The other type of team is involved in the design
of a product or service.
Staff will need to be trained about
what is expected from them when they are following
the design cycle and the will have to learn to
use the software. Experience has shown that a
team should be brought together and trained in
how to function as a team before they learn about
the process or tools. Once the individuals have
leaned of their duties on a team they learn the
process. As part of learning the process the team
learns how to use the required tools and to interpret
the data generated.
Finally the design process will
be implemented. Implementation includes a process
to monitor the effectiveness of the process.
The software is an integral part of the
TRACXS process. The QFD method can quickly become difficult
to administer. The software implementation of QFD in
TRACXS significantly reduces the administration burden
of the design team.
In TRACXS software the data are stored
in projects.
To access data users must be assigned
to a project
A project can be the design process itself.
TRACXS has facilities to record procedures that are
best described with text alone.
TRACXS software allows users to build
QFD diagrams and link them to detailed specifications.
As the need for enhancements (changes)
comes apparent they can be tracked and used to control
changes to approved documentation.
As problems are identified they can be
recorded as improvements.
There is a small set of tools that can
be used in the design process.
The main systems are all linked together
to form an integrated package.
The data are stored in a database that
is network compatible. To use on the Internet need a
virtual private network.
TRACXS software is network compatible.
People from different geographic locations can work
on a common set of data for a give project. Communication
is improved with the tool
TRACXS is secure. Access to project data
can only be done by following a login procedure. Each
project is assigned a security level.
Simplify the design
process and Six Sigma by using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) as a
design tool in a networked environment. Save time and money, manage
teams and projects with TRACXS software.
