QFD integrated value stream mapping: an enabler of lean manufacturing

Lean manufacturing is a manufacturing philosophy which focuses on elimination of wastes and enables process streamlining. Value stream mapping (VSM) is a lean manufacturing technique that is capable of tracking wastes, thereby streamlining the processes. However, the framework of VSM does not enable the systematic identification of wastes as well as the techniques to eliminate them. In this context, this paper presents a study in which quality function deployment (QFD) technique has been used for scientific prioritisation of wastes and techniques for waste elimination. This paper is exemplified with a case study conducted in an Indian pump manufacturing organisation.