WFcr: The 16 Weight Factors of Customer Requirements
WFcr (Weight Factors of Customer Requirements) is a tool used in Quality Function Deployment (QFD) to evaluate the importance of customer requirements. It is a systematic approach to translate customer preferences into design specifications and optimize product development. In this article, we will explore the 16 weight factors of customer requirements in WFcr.
What is WFcr?
WFcr is a methodology developed by Dr. Yoji Akao, the founder of QFD. It is used to quantify the importance of customer requirements, also known as the "Voice of the Customer" (VOC). WFcr helps companies to prioritize customer needs and allocate resources effectively to meet those needs.
The 16 Weight Factors of Customer Requirements
The 16 weight factors of customer requirements in WFcr are categorized into four groups: Importance, Satisfaction, Competitive, and Other. These factors are used to assess the relative importance of each customer requirement.
Importance (5 factors)
- Frequency of Use: How often the customer uses the product or service.
- Consequence of Failure: The impact of the product or service not meeting the customer's requirements.
- Degree of Difficulty: The level of difficulty in achieving the customer requirement.
- Number of Users: The number of customers affected by the product or service.
- Stakeholder Preference: The level of importance assigned by key stakeholders, such as customers, sales teams, or management.
Satisfaction (4 factors)
- Current Satisfaction: The customer's current level of satisfaction with the product or service.
- Expectation: The customer's expected level of satisfaction with the product or service.
- Importance to Customer: The level of importance the customer places on the product or service.
- Competitive Gap: The difference between the customer's current satisfaction and the competitor's rating.
Competitive (4 factors)
- Competitor Rating: The competitor's rating for the product or service.
- Competitive Advantage: The competitive advantage of the product or service.
- Market Share: The company's market share in relation to the product or service.
- Competitor's Strength: The competitor's strength in the market.
Other (3 factors)
- Technical Difficulty: The technical difficulty of achieving the customer requirement.
- Cost of Implementation: The cost of implementing the customer requirement.
- Timing: The timing of the customer requirement, including any deadlines or constraints.
Conclusion
WFcr is a powerful tool for evaluating the importance of customer requirements and prioritizing product development. By understanding the 16 weight factors of customer requirements, companies can develop products and services that meet customer needs, improve customer satisfaction, and gain a competitive edge in the market.
References
Akao, Y. (1990). Quality Function Deployment: Integrating Customer Requirements into Product Design. Productivity Press.
