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MATERIALS 49
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furniture systems. To monitor these processes, manufacturers can apply the
The engineered transformation from wood pellets to PDCA cycle as shown in Table 4:
WPCs has demonstrated moderate mechanical viability for
Table 4. Furniture manufacturers apply the PDCA cycle.
decorative and non-load-bearing structures. Comparative
PDCA Phase Implementation in Furniture
tests have shown that WPCs with added hydrophobic agents Manufacturing
outperform standard MDF in humid conditions, aligning with Plan Define quality goals for composite
strength, module integration, and
eco-interior demands. durability standards
Do Execute production using defined
parameters; install IoT modules according
TQM Framework in Sustainable Smart Furniture to ergonomic layout
Development Check Use quality metrics (tensile tests,
thermal stress, usability trials) to assess
TQM provides a systematic approach to ensuring product outcomes
quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement Act Adjust parameters, train staff, or redesign
modules based on testing and user
across complex manufacturing systems. feedback
When applied to smart furniture production using sustainable
materials such as wood-pellet-derived composites, TQM Digitalisation tools such as Statistical Process Control
offers a strategic governance framework to manage variability, (SPC) and real-time sensors (e.g., on the extrusion line or
guide innovation, and align production with sustainability and in embedded components) can be integrated for ongoing
performance standards. quality assurance.
The Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle serves as a Mass customisation is a defining characteristic of smart
foundational tool in TQM for continuous process optimisation. furniture, especially when integrating sustainability as a core

In the planning phase, objectives are defined, and processes value. TQM supports customer-centred design thus:
are designed to achieve quality goals. • Collecting user preference data (colour, function, dimension)
The doing phase involves implementing these processes. using digital configurators;
Subsequently, the checking phase assesses process performance • Using modular design to support reconfiguration (e.g.,
against set standards and the acting phase focuses on making adjustable shelves with sensor ports);
necessary adjustments to enhance quality outcomes. • Integrating design for assembly (DFA) and design for
In sustainable smart furniture production, quality planning disassembly (DFD) principles, enabling replacement and
begins at the material input stage. recycling of parts.
Given the heterogeneity of recycled or pelletised feedstock,

key planning elements include the following: Example practice: IKEA’s smart products employ pre-
• Material input consistency: Establishing supplier standards designed modular kits that balance production efficiency with
for particle size, moisture content, and contaminant customisation flexibility—a model applicable to WPC-based
screening; furniture as well.
• Composite processing parameters: Monitoring extrusion TQM tools such as House of Quality (QFD) and conjoint
temperature, pressure, and the plastic-to-fibre ratio to analysis can help translate user voice into engineering
ensure mechanical stability; parameters, ensuring that customer expectations are embedded

• Smart module compatibility: Defining housing tolerances, into production specifications.
wiring paths, and thermal boundaries in the design phase. This section highlights two real-world cases that