Quality Function Deployment ( QFD ) is a methodology in the design and development of products or services that are able to integrate ‘ consumer voices ‘ into the design process . QFD is actually a way for companies to identify and meet the needs and desires of consumers to the products or services it produces . Here are a few definitions of Quality Function Deployment according to the experts :
1. QFD is a methodology for translating customer wants and needs into a product design that has the technical requirements and characteristics of a certain quality ( Akao , 1990; Urban , 1993) .
2. QFD is a structured methodology that is used in the process of designing and developing a whole set product specification needs and desires of consumers , as well as the capability to systematically evaluate the product or service to meet the needs and desires of consumers ( Cohen , 1995) .
3. QFD is a system of product development starting from product design , manufacturing process , until the product into the hands of consumers , where the development of products based on consumer desires ( Djati , 2003) .

Benefits Of QFD
The use of QFD methodology in the design and development of products is an added value for the company . Because the company will have a competitive advantage by creating a product or service that is able to satisfy the consumer .
The benefits to be gained from the application of QFD in the product design process is ( Dale , 1994) :
1. Improve product reliability
2. Improve product quality
3. Improve customer satisfaction
4. Shorten time to market
5. Reduce design costs
6. Improve communication
7. Improve productivity
8. Increase corporate profits

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QFD excellence
Advantages – advantages of QFD are :
1. Provides a standard format for translating customer needs into technical requirements , so as to meet the needs of consumers .
2. Help the design team to focus the design process carried out on the facts available , not intuition .
3. During the design process , decision -making ‘ recorded ‘ in the matrices that can be re-examined and modified in the future .

QFD matrix hierarchy
By using the QFD methodology in the design and development of products , it will be known four types of stages, each of which is :
1. Product Planning Stage ( House of Quality )
2. Planning Phase Components ( Part Deployment )
3. Phase Planning Process ( Process Deployment )
4. Stage Production Planning ( Manufacturing / Production Planning)