A framework for VSM integrated with Fuzzy QFD
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to apply a framework for value stream mapping (VSM) integrated with fuzzy quality function deployment (QFD) for enabling scientific prioritization of improvement proposals to improve leanness.
Design/methodology/approach
The literature was reviewed from the perspectives of VSM, QFD and fuzzy logic applications. The current state map was developed for the case component; fuzzy QFD was used for prioritizing improvement proposals and prioritized proposals were incorporated in the future state map.
Findings
The approach enabled the scientific mapping of wastes with improvement proposals and thereby enabling systematic implementation of improvement proposals. The conducted pilot study resulted in 4 percent reduction in cycle time. As the lean implementation is a continuous process, furthermore improvements are expected in near future.
Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted in an Indian camshaft manufacturing organization. The improvements in terms of leanness parameters were quantified.
Practical implications
The findings determined from the study has practical relevance. Besides, managerial implications were also discussed.
Originality/value
The study presented in this paper was conducted in a real time manufacturing environment. Hence the contributions of study are found to be valuable among academic and practicing communities.
Keywords
Citation
Mohanraj, R., Sakthivel, M., Vinodh, S. and Vimal, K.E.K. (2015), "A framework for VSM integrated with Fuzzy QFD", The TQM Journal, Vol. 27 No. 5, pp. 616-632. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-11-2012-0088
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited