A method and system is provided for determining the progress toward the achievement
of best-in-class motor vehicles. The method may be comprised of several steps.
First, internal organizational data is gathered. [The internal organizational data
includes critical design characteristics, critical manufacturing characteristics,
and critical performance characteristics. The critical design characteristics are
those design features which are historically valued by customers. The critical
manufacturing characteristics are those manufacturing features which are have also
been valued by customers. The critical performance characteristics are those performance
characteristics valued by customers.] Second, external organizational data is gathered.
[The external organizational data includes a list of design characteristics and
manufacturing characteristics that are deemed important by suppliers and competitors.]
Third, the internal organizational data and the external organizational data is
matched to create a list of common critical characteristics. Fourth, tests are
performed to independently determine [design and manufacturing] characteristics
that are critical to excellent product performance. Fifth, matching the test results
to the list of common elements to assess the validity of the list and to determine
final critical design, manufacturing and performance characteristics. Sixth, designating
assessment categories for each final critical characteristic. [The assessment categories
include but are not limited to a "STOP" category, a "CAUTION" category, and a "GO"
category. The "STOP" category is defined by a range of values which illustrate
poor performance/development levels, Design and/or manufacturing features which
fall within this category flags this feature as being in need of a repair. The
"CAUTION" category is defined by a range of values which illustrate slightly less
than satisfactory performance. Design and/or manufacturing features which fall
within this category flags this feature as requiring a change to the development
progress. The "GO" category is defined by a range of values which illustrate acceptable
performance. Design, manufacturing and performance features which fall within this
category flags this feature as meeting the identified requirements. The last step
involves assigning a STOP, CAUTION or GO designation to each final critical design,
manufacturing, and performance characteristic.]
