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Identify Customer Needs

Table of Contents 1 Step 1. Gather Raw Data From Customers 1.1 Interactions with Customers 2 Step 2. Interpret Raw Data in Terms of Customer Needs 3 Step 3 Establish the Relative Importance of the Needs 4 Step 4. Reflect on the Results and the Process =

Step 1. Gather Raw Data From Customers

Interactions with Customers

In our second meeting at ARCWorks we discussed the needs of the Straw Cutting system with our Primary contact Wayne Geith.

Customer Needs Meeting Minutes.doc

Third Visit Meeting Minutes.doc

Minutes 1-7

Step 2. Interpret Raw Data in Terms of Customer Needs

• 1. Cut multiple straws to desired length
• 2. Minimal physical exertion
• 3. Increase productivity
• 4. Minimize material load time
• 5. Minimize blade changes
• 6. Make blade changing easier
• 7. Utilize cost effective blades
• 8. Perform straight, clean cuts through material
• 9. Reduce number of partially cut straws
• 10. Machine must comply with OSHA standards
• 11. Machine can be easily adjusted to different lengths
• 12. Machine must fit on standard table top securely
• 13. Must not deform straws
• 14. Cut straws must lie within tolerances
• 15. Scrap material must be automatically removed after each operation
• 16. Automatic hopper if possible

Step 3 Establish the Relative Importance of the Needs

This was accomplished by creating a matrix in excel.

Excel File of our Customer Needs Matrix

Customer needs.xls

Update of Customer Needs.xls

Step 4. Reflect on the Results and the Process =

The needs for our primary project were fairly clear and obvious in some situations. In discussion with our customer it was difficult for them to come up with specific needs due to the fact that a current machine was already in place seemingly functioning simply on only a few basic needs. Our Team asked more questions and dug deeper to find out what was actual needed and for what function. Some of the needs identified were obvious in nature but very necessary to include and not overlook.

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