Critical to Quality (CTQ) is a concept used in quality management and Six Sigma methodologies. It refers to the product or process characteristics that are critical to the customer and therefore, critical to the overall quality of the product or process. CTQ(Critical To Quality) characteristics are usually identified through customer requirements and feedback, and they are used to drive decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
In other words, CTQ characteristics are the key factors that determine the success of a product or service in meeting customer needs and expectations. By focusing on CTQ, organizations can ensure that their products and processes are aligned with customer requirements and deliver the desired level of quality.
Examples of CTQ characteristics may include reliability, consistency, speed of delivery, ease of use, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The identification and management of CTQ(Critical To Quality) characteristics is an important step in the continuous improvement process and helps organizations to deliver higher quality products and services to their customers.
Benefits of attending to CTQ
- Making it possible to understand and meet your customer’s needs
- Less rework
- Saves time
Critical to Quality Trees
CTQ Trees (Critical-To-Quality Trees) are the tools to implement Critical-To-Quality procedure. They are the diagrammatic representation of the needs of the customers or satisfaction drivers’, as referred to in the diagram above and the translation of these drivers into the specific metrics, processes or requirements that an organization can understand, act upon and control.