1. CPM Focuses on System Performance

In the context of product or process commercialization, CPM considers the performance of the system as the highest priority. Subsystem and component performance are important, but only within the context of system optimization.

CPM gathers, integrates and documents complex networks of critical performance relationships, starting with Voice of the Customer (VOC) on down to the requirements of the system, subsystem, subassembly, component, manufacturing process and materials. However, CPM goes well beyond the documentation of requirements, as it also integrates and tracks what is supposed to happen vs. what is actually attained in terms of functional performance during the phases and gates of the development process.

2. CPM Proactively Prevents Problems

The ultimate goals of CPM, or any product development effort for that matter, are

• Reduced time-to-market
• High-quality product
• Low cost of production
• Low cost of ownership

Unfortunately, one cannot easily use these to measure the effect and efficiency of critical parameter relationships during development. They are lagging indicators of performance. By the time these metrics are proven with real data, it is extremely expensive to take corrective action. Using these metrics fosters a reactive "build-test-fix" mentality within development teams. When this mind-set governs organizational behavior, there is sure to be a need to do it over a second, third or fourth time-by design!

CPM measures the functions that are directly related to the laws of physics selected to control the transformation and flow of energy, mass and information in technologies, products and manufacturing processes. Measuring these during development ensures that CPM will prevent problems in cycle-time, quality and cost. As a consequence, CPM processes are not born out of metrics found in Total Quality Management (TQM). CPM practitioners must measure functions, not quality. Metrology, in CPM, is grounded in measuring phenomena that are direct outcomes from the application of the principles of physical law.

3. CPM Reduces Sensitivity to Sources of Variation

CPM uses design and manufacturing process capability indices to track the maturing ability to fulfill the system and subsystem requirements that ultimately satisfy customer needs. Criticality has its definition rooted in the Voice of the Customer (targets and tolerances). Sensitivity is defined as the Voice of the Product and Manufacturing Processes (sample means and standard deviations). The Voice of the Customer cries out its demand, "This need is critical!" into the world of product and manufacturing process development. Frequently, the disappointing response is, "My products and manufacturing processes are too sensitive to sources of variation!" Superior quality is the by-product of intentionally developed engineering functions within products and manufacturing processes that possess low levels of sensitivity. Yield and part-per-million quality are poor and indirect measures of sensitivity, while scalar and vector functions are continuous variables that provide measures of precision (variance or spread about the mean) and accuracy (mean in relation to target) needed to minimize sensitivity during development.