Saturday, September 13, 2014

Quality Minute: Fitness for Use

"Fitness for Use" is a definition of quality that describes a lot in just three words.  The definition is attributed to Joseph Juran.

Fitness for Use means:
  • Suitable for intended purpose
  • Performance is satisfactory
Fitness for Use implies:
  • The product is reliable
  • The product is maintainable
  • The processes to design, produce, test, deliver, and support the product are sustainable
Fitness for Use does not mean:
  • Defect free
  • Suitable for any condition or scenario
Fitness for Use is not the same as Specification or Conformance quality.  Specification quality (meets specifications) can be met and the product still not Fit for Use.  Similarly, Conformance quality (passes all tests and inspections, meets regulatory requirements) can be met and the product still not Fit for Use.

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