Fuzzy assessment analysis and key improvements to a production system

• Published in: TQM journal Vol. 32; no. 1; pp. 38 - 55
• Main Authors: Shiau, Yau-Ren, Chang, Hui-Min
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Publishing Limited 15.01.2020; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Decision analysis; Decision making; Design of experiments; Design optimization; Failure analysis; Failure modes; Fuzzy logic; Fuzzy sets; Hierarchies; Manufacturing; Performance appraisal; Performance evaluation; Performance indices; Product quality; Production methods; Q factors; Quality assessment; Quality control; Quality improvement; Quality management; Semantics; Six Sigma; Total quality; Variables; DMAIC; Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process; Quality control; Design of experiment
• DOI: 10.1108/TQM-03-2019-0082
• ISSN: 1754-2731

Purpose The framework of Six Sigma Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control was applied in this study, and various tools and techniques were used at different stages to implement lean measures to ensure quality. The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision-making framework that assesses key quality performance to ensure that practitioners improve quality and control by modeling and optimizing production processes. Design/methodology/approach A model of a quality performance index system was established. The weights of factors and sub-factors, which were estimated using an FAHP, were used as a reference for the decision maker under fuzzy uncertainly to make a decision, and thus, results present the bottlenecks in processes. Furthermore, any other factors that may affect the key process bottlenecks must be considered. The critical to quality characteristics were determined, and factor levels were set. The interaction between the factors was analyzed, their significance was studied using the Design of experiments and the parameters were predicted. Finally, quality improvement decisions were made through failure mode and effects analysis. Findings The implementation results of this research prove that the proposed model could successfully determine the key processes and focus on the improvement of critical quality factors under limited resources. Originality/value This study establishes a set of performance appraisal methods for production systems, which can be used for improving productivity and quality.