Interpretive Maintenance Quality Function Deployment: A New Model for Production in SMEs

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the economic development of developing countries. To remain competitive with larger organisations, SMEs must produce high-quality products at competitive prices. To improve product quality, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and profitability, SMEs need to optimise the use of their resources. However, the current production strategies used by this sector are insufficient to meet these objectives. In this context, developing and implementing a new strategy to improve quality, productivity, and OEE in SMEs is essential. This paper presents an innovative model, called ‘interpretive maintenance quality function deployment’ (IMQFD), that is aimed at enhancing these key parameters and supporting the growth of the SME sector in the midst of the ongoing industrial revolution.