Special Characteristics (SC) are a controversial topic everywhere.
On the one hand, SC are necessary in production to identify
where errors can lead to painful or even fatal consequences.
On the other hand, some developers exaggerate and turn features into BM that are neither essential to the function nor pose an increased risk in manufacturing.
How do development and manufacturing agree on what is necessary and what is unnecessary?
In my opinion, only agreed criteria can help in determining this.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has published the second revision of its volume “Special Characteristics.” This volume proposes a 4-stage filter system to filter characteristics according to whether they are or must be special characteristics.
This approach is good, provided that specific criteria for filtering are agreed upon. It does not make sense for such a methodology volume to specify concrete criteria. However, examples that provide guidance on how this could be done would be helpful for many companies. The proposal lacks this, however.
If you want or need to think about special features in your company without reinventing the wheel, let me know.
At my long-standing employer, Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH, an automotive supplier with approximately 70 locations worldwide, I was able to introduce a process that provides answers to precisely these questions.
You can find an initial, brief overview in two blog posts:
A more detailed examination can be found in a webinar (in German language) created in collaboration with the DGQ.
Or have a look into my Book „Vorausplanen“. (In German language as well)