Integrating Six Sigma and maintenance excellence with QFD

Several methodologies are proposed in the literature for process improvement in maintenance. Six Sigma and maintenance excellence (ME) are the most popular approaches in recent years, but there is few written on linking them together. This article aims to highlight the synergy of each approach and seeks for integrate them into one model. Linking ME and Six Sigma leads to an improved model of the organisation of the maintenance function, enables reduction of variations in the process, eliminates the occurrence errors and reducing the time cycle for the maintenance process. The analysis shows that these two approaches can be coupled using quality function deployment (QFD) technique. Five QFD-oriented matrices are then developed to deploy the needs of maintenance, improvements, regulation of the dysfunctions, implementation plan and monitoring plan. In this view, the integrated model supports progressive improvement and helps the organisation define its improvement priorities and reach new levels of competitive strength.