Before there was QFD (Quality Function Deployment), there was Hoshin Kanri.  Hoshin Kanri is one of the most powerful planning tools available to organizations today, allowing for breakthrough innovations and continuous improvement. It provides a method for creating a comprehensive communication system between all levels of employees, keeping everyone focused on meeting the organization’s goals.

When an organization is very large--thousands of people working in numerous business units--the configuration of matrices below works very well. Each business unit would have its own objective, supported by goals.

Hoshin Kanri methodology ensures that everyone in the organization knows the strategic direction for the company. It creates a working communication system that focuses everyone on common goals. A "catch ball" environment is created where goals, strategies, and action items are tossed back and forth between management and employees.