MANAGING THE UNCERTAINTY ASPECT OF RELIABILITY IN AN ITERATIVE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Abstract

This study identifies the design criteria for a method that can be used to manage the risk and uncertainty aspects of product reliability of Really New Innovations (RNI) in an Iterative Product Development Process (IPDP). The traditional quality and reliability management methods focus primarily on risk management, which is not sufficient given the characteristics of the innovative consumer electronics industry.Four design criteria were developed, which are proactiveness, completeness, flexibility, and information type. To demonstrate the validity of the design criteria, a new method, called RQM-Lite was developed and implemented in industrial projects. By applying a top-down approach and the concept of information granularity, the required low and high resolution information can be gathered for uncertainty analysis, assessment and management. Through iterations, the information gaps can be reduced resulting in lower uncertainty. The design criteria that have been developed and the prototype RQM-Lite method used to validate the criteria, when compared to the available alternatives, shows promise and provides more objectivity, especially in the field of uncertainty management of product reliability for RNI in IPDP.