Why Use AQP?

Before we address the "why" of planning, we assume that things do go wrong. But why do they go wrong? Obviously, there are many specific answers that address this question. Often the answer falls into one of these four categories:

• We never have enough time, so things are omitted

• We have done this, this way, so we minimize the effort

• We assume that we know what has been requested, so we do not listen carefully

• We assume that because we finish a project, improvement will indeed follow, so we bypass the improvement steps

In essence then, the customer appears satisfied, but a product, service, or process is not improved at all. This is precisely why it is imperative for organizations to look at quality planning as a totally integrated activity that involves the entire organization. The organization must expect changes in its operations by employing cross-functional and multi-disciplinary teams to exceed customer desires not just meet requirements. A quality plan includes, but is not limited to:

• A team to manage the plan

• Timing to monitor progress

• Procedures to define operating policies

• Standards to clarify requirements

• Controls to stay on course

• Data and feedback to verify and to provide direction

• Action plan to initiate change

Advanced quality planning, then, is a methodology that yields a quality plan for the creation of a process, product, or service consistent with customer requirements. It allows for maximum quality in the workplace by planning and documenting the process of improvement. AQP...