International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science (IJAERS) [Vol-6, Issue-5, May- 2019] https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijaers.6.5.76 ISSN: 2349-6495(P) | 2456-1908(O) www.ijaers.com Page | 587 Method of Problem Analysis and Solving applied to Quality and Productivity in a Furniture Industry Andréa Cláudia dos Anjos Martins 1 , Jandecy Cabral Leite 2 , Ricardo Silva Parente 3 , Elba Vieira Mustafa 4 , Isabel Cristina Souza Dinola 5 , Alyson de Jesus dos Santos 6 1 Postgraduate Program in Process Engineering, Institute of Technology of the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil. 2 Dr, Research Department, Institute of Technology and Education Galileo of Amazon (TEGAM), Manaus/Amazonas, Brazil. Abstract — This study proposes the application of the Method of problem analysis and solving (MAPS) in conjunction with the quality tools, aiming to reduce requests for the number of technical assistance in a planned furniture industry. The methodology used in this research was a case study, in which the eight steps of the method were applied in order to identify the root cause of the problem and to point out through its action plan its solution. At the end of the process, the method obtained satisfactory results, with a 58% reduction in the number of technical assistance and with savings of around 49% in the costs generated by the occurrence of failures, causing financial gains for the company surveyed. In addition, this research contributes to the dissemination of the concepts of quality tools for solving problems, as well as optimizing the performance improvement of production processes and quality management in the fabrication of planned furniture. Keywords— Quality Tools. Quality. CQ Story. Quality Control. I. INTRODUCTION Nowadays, obtaining quality index combined with productivity, cost reduction, customer satisfaction and respect for the environment have become essential for the permanence and survival of organizations in adapting to the competitive pressures of the competitive market (JITPAIBOON; RAO, 2007; COBERO et al., 2014). Within this context, the challenge of companies to seek productivity with the least possible loss depends not only on the modernization of process technologies, but also on an engaged and specialized team, a fast service and efficiency in the management of production costs(LAKHAL et al, 2006; BOURKE; ROPER, 2017). According to GALINARI et al , (2013), in this respect, one of the markets that stands out in the search for standardized management projects is that of planned wood furniture. This is due to the fact that the sector has differentiated characteristics, such as the high use of natural inputs, with customized designs to the consumer's taste, furniture design with the incorporation of new technologies and concepts, aiming the durability of the products. The furniture sector in Brazil is evident in the transformation industry segment, gaining notable gains in the manufacturing area due to the significant improvement in quality, due to the advent of new methodologies in the area of production aimed at the pursuit of excellence (ABIMOVEL, 2017). One of the methodologies we can highlight is the Method of Analysis and Problem Solving (MAPS). The MAPS has emerged as a strategy to improve the quality and productivity of organizations, widely used in Japan, is one of the managerial level tools that has the purpose of acting against an undesirable problem or to improve the current condition of a productive process. The problems are identified, treated and improved through sequential steps aimed at reducing costs in manufacturing processes (HERRON; BRAIDEN, 2006; ORIBE, 2012). The application of MAPS aims to collect, organize and analyze information related to the process flow diagram of the products, being composed of actions of prevention and reduction of problems, using tools such as Cause and Effect Diagram, Pareto Chart Action Plan (5W1H ), among others (HORA; COSTA, 2009). The MAPS is a disciplined management strategy that seeks continuous improvement by reducing waste and emphasizing the company's profitability, based on speed