Concept of right first time (RFT) design

Customer demands and intense competition have resulted in the need for shorter development lead times. The problems with shorter lead times have been well documented. Nfistakes are costly and the need for a sustainable and efficient new product development process has become paramount to a successful product. Vehicle Manufacturers (VM's) have had their choice of a variety of tools and philosophies to assist in reducing lead times. Amongst others, the use of Quality Functional Deployment (QFD), CAD/CAE, cross-functional teams and simultaneous engineering have each been mooted as being the panacea for efficient design and development. The author argues the need for a Right First Time (RFT) design policy and states that this can be delivered through the "Hoshin Kanri" method of policy deployment. The resultant strategies are achieved through the tactical use of the most appropriate tools, integrated into the new development process. Performance is measured against agreed target in a Case Company (Nissan) and the strategy is tested for Strengths and Weaknesses. The result is achievement of an 80% reduction in Design Change compared with previous programs. The approach is explained in the Thesis, as are the Quantitative and Qualitative results, which are finally analysed using an adapted T-Matiix. In conclusion, the author uses the experience to draw 14 Rules for undertaking Right First Time Design and "proves" them in two alternative companies to ensure that the principles arc robust.