8-STEPS IN TAGUCHI METHODOLOGY :
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Taguchi method is a scientifically disciplined mechanism for evaluating and
implementing improvements in products, processes, materials, equipment, and
facilities. These improvements are aimed at improving the desired characteristics
and simultaneously reducing the number of defects by studying the key variables
controlling the process and optimizing the procedures or design to yield the best
results.
The method is applicable over a wide range of engineering fields that include
processes that manufacture raw materials, sub systems, products for professional and
consumer markets. In fact, the method can be applied to any process be it engineering
fabrication, computer-aided-design, banking and service sectors etc. Taguchi method
is useful for 'tuning' a given process for 'best' results.
Taguchi proposed a standard 8-step procedure for applying his method for optimizing
any process,
8-STEPS IN TAGUCHI METHODOLOGY:
Step-1: IDENTIFY THE MAIN FUNCTION, SIDE EFFECTS, AND FAILURE
MODE
Step-2: IDENTIFY THE NOISE FACTORS, TESTING CONDITIONS, AND
QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS
Step-3: IDENTIFY THE OBJECTIVE FUNCTION TO BE OPTIMIZED
Step-4: IDENTIFY THE CONTROL FACTORS AND THEIR LEVELS
Step-5: SELECT THE ORTHOGONAL ARRAY MATRIX EXPERIMENT
Step-6: CONDUCT THE MATRIX EXPERIMENT
Step-7: ANALYZE THE DATA, PREDICT THE OPTIMUM LEVELS AND
PERFORMANCE
Step-8: PERFORM THE VERIFICATION EXPERIMENT AND PLAN THE
FUTURE ACTION