Application of the QFD methodology to plant layout evaluation

This paper presents a QFD based methodology allowing the assessment of different plant layout proposals. Facilities layout is a key factor affecting a firm’s profitability and productivity. Such a decision is a strategic one. In literature several works deal with this aspect, and in particular concerning the design task. Meanwhile, along the plant layout life cycle, other ac-tivities have to be carried out that are equally important. This makes the evaluation phase necessarily subsequent. With respect to other assessing techniques, that are often too vague, the one here presented attempts to face the problem in a more rigorous fashion. On the basis of the QFD concept, the most important aspects concerning a plant layout evalua-tion are considered. In particular, customer needs are first derived, technical requirements are identified, and finally a comparison method is presented.