Quality function refers to all activities within a company or department that collectively work to achieve a quality product fit for use. Whether a product is fit for use can be judged based on various parameters that depend on the type of quality being targeted. These parameters may include meeting product specifications, quality and promptness of consumption for fast-consuming products, and availability, reliability, maintainability, and producibility for long-consuming products.

1. Dr. Adel Younis
Quality consultant
Quality Tip
The main concern: Quality Function.
Q. what is the meaning of Quality Function?
Ans. It is the short name to represent the activities, departmental or companywide,
which collectively result in product quality, by other words; it is the sum of all
departmental activities done in accordance with quality system requirements, to
achieve a quality product, fit for use.
But, the main question is, how can we judge the “fit for use”, term? , actually many
parameter were put in place to judge this term , in order to understand the issue of
such vague parameter, we should define what type of quality is targeted , then , we
can determine the exact parameters needed for that issue, and this will be as
follows :
1) Product / service features: to determine if these features / specifications are
met – implemented by the producer or the service provider, it is varying
from a product to another or from a service to another.
2) Quality of product, or service provided, prompt consumption, e.g. time
oriented…..etc. this normally vary from a fast consuming product “ food”, to
a long consuming product, for the later ones , a long period of time
consumed products, many other parameters are needed to be added / taken
into consideration, like availability , reliability and maintainability
2.1- availability: it is a time measured parameter, and it is measures by the extent
to which the user can secure services or products when needed.
2.2- reliability: the probability of product performing without failure a specified
function, under given conditions for a specified period of time.
2.3- maintainability: the need of continuity of service has also stimulated much
effort to improve the maintenance of long life products
2.4- producibility: product design is readily produced by the facility and process
available to operations.