Taguchi's approach allows experiments to be performed and prototypes to be tested on multiple factors at once so that the product/process becomes insensitive to use-conditions and other uncontrollable factors. This is called Robust Design, and it provides a more efficient, cost-effective way to improve products and processes.

This revolutionary approach to engineering and design represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in product and process design since the Quality Revolution began. It provides a method for designing products and processes that are minimally impacted by external forces, such as environment, client use, or manufacturing conditions.

This is accomplished using Energy Transformation principles for improving the desired output targeted toward perfect performance, rather than attempting to supress symptoms. The Robust Design approach is based on an Energy Transformation model for egineering systems (mechanical, electrical, chemical, etc.). This unique approach to achieving Quality Assurance and Robustness during the design phase utilizes identification of the Ideal Function of a product or process, as opposed to traditional methods which focus on "symptom analysis" as a basis for improvement.

Taguchi Methods is a system of cost-driven quality engineering that emphasizes the effective application of engineering strategies rather than advanced statistical techniques. It includes both upstream and shop-floor quality engineering. Upstream methods efficiently use small-scale experiments to reduce variability and find cost-effective, robust designs for large-scale production and the marketplace.

Shop-floor techniques provide cost-based, real-time methods for monitoring and maintaining quality in production. Taguchi Methods allow a company to rapidly and accurately acquire technical information to design and produce low-cost, highly reliable products and processes. Its most advanced applications allow engineers to develop flexible technology for the design and production of families of high quality products, greatly reducing research, development, and delivery time.

Tremendous additional benefits can be derived from improving the robustness of generic technology (in R&D) so that it is applicable to a family of present and future products and processes. This application, called Robust Technology Development, is currently being practiced by only a few leading companies worldwide. Farther downstream, Taguchi's methods for what he terms "on-line" quality control (Manufacturing Process Control) can achieve a more cost-effective process control.

Taguchi Methods require a new way of thinking about product development. These methods differ from others in that the methods for dealing with quality problems center on the design stage of product development, and express quality and cost improvement in monetary terms.

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