Taguchi method is a scientifically disciplined mechanism for evaluating and implementing improvements in products, processes, materials, equipment, and facilities. These improvements are aimed at improving the desired characteristics and simultaneously reducing the number of defects by studying the key variables controlling the process and optimizing the procedures or design to yield the best results. The method is applicable over a wide range of engineering fields that include processes that manufacture raw materials, sub systems, products for professional and consumer markets. In fact, the method can be applied to any process be it engineering fabrication, computer-aided-design, banking and service sectors etc. Taguchi method is useful for 'tuning' a given process for 'best' results. Taguchi proposed a standard 8-step procedure for applying his method for optimizing any process,

8-STEPS :

		IDENTIFY THE MAIN FUNCTION, SIDE EFFECTS, AND FAILURE MODE
		IDENTIFY THE NOISE FACTORS, TESTING CONDITIONS, AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS
		IDENTIFY THE OBJECTIVE FUNCTION TO BE OPTIMIZED
		IDENTIFY THE CONTROL FACTORS AND THEIR LEVELS
		SELECT THE ORTHOGONAL ARRAY MATRIX EXPERIMENT
		CONDUCT THE MATRIX EXPERIMENT
		ANALYZE THE DATA, PREDICT THE OPTIMUM LEVELS AND PERFORMANCE
		PERFORM THE VERIFICATION EXPERIMENT AND PLAN THE FUTURE ACTION