Quality technique transfer: Manufacturing and software

An argument for quality technique transfer between manufacturing and softwa re is put forward in which it is recognised that the nature of the producti on process differs and that the emphasis accorded given stages in the respe ctive life cycles may also differ. The relevant issues that contribute to s uccessful transfer are discussed before a case is made for potential candid ate techniques from manufacturing, electronics, and avionics. A common feat ure of the underlying analysis is identified as an increase in the emphasis placed on quantitative approaches. The paper then proceeds to explain the example techniques which are: the manufacturing process capability measures for Statistical Process Control (SPC); Taguchi Fractional Factorial Experi ments; built in testing from VLSI technology; and Black Box recording, deri ved from avionics, in usage testing. Instances of the implementation of eac h are given and it is concluded that practical implementations of transferr ed techniques are related to: the product development phase; the maintenanc e phase; and the process improvement sphere. The strength of pressures to o vercome existing product deficiencies are reasoned to mitigate implementati on costs.