At what points in quality management do you apply quality planning techniques?

 I would say

 a practical and comprehensive project plan

 a documented communications strategy

 a detailed project budget

 strategic engagement with stakeholders

 a risk, issues and change-management methodology

 a quality plan with assurance and control processes

 a supportive team-based environment.

 

we need to apply the tools and techniques of quality planning, such as; cost-benefit analysis, benchmarking, design of experiments, cost of quality, and others, in the PLANNING phase of the project.

These are great answers for such questions as what tools are appropriate for project management, or even launching a product. I notice both PMP and APQP responses which are truly valued. However, thr first part of this question requires us to define "Quality Management". For example, in the QA function of internal auditing, there is no need for APQP based inputs, and minimal need for Project management Inputs. Likewise when assigning QC inspection activities. However, when designing/establishing QC requirements, Developing metrics for performance analysis, or implementing a quality system, the majority of these tools would be required. The big picture is to look at every aspect of a project or program launch as requiring planning at a level of high quality, such that risks are mitigated and design intent is executed.

the point of my query is for quality and program management professionals to not get bogged down into the minutiae of six sigma, lean, or problem solving, or even QS standards details, and risk losing sight of how and where they can best support organizations.

You have to plan before you do anything or you will certainly fail. look at all QI methodologies, and you will find that they all start with planning.

Actually it's depend on your project or organization but for product quality planning you should (can be shall-depend on your certification) apply tool such as: Feasibility Study, Design input, Design output, Design review, Risk Management of Design (DFMEA), Manufacturing Design input, Manufacturing Design output, Manufacturing design review, Manufacturing Design Risk Management (PFMEA), verification and Validation, Low Volume Trial, High Volume Trial and others...

You can use the Quality Plan to set quality targets by:

- Identifying the customers requirements.

- Listing the project deliverables to be produced.

- Setting quality criteria for these deliverables.

- Defining quality standards for the deliverables.

- Gaining your customer's agreement with the targets set.

 

You can then use this Quality Plan to monitor and control quality by:

- Identifying the quality control tasks needed to control quality.

- Creating a Quality Control Plan, by scheduling the control activities.

- Listing the quality assurance activities required to assure quality.

- Building a Quality Assurance Plan, by creating an activity schedule.

 

Creating a Quality Plan is essential if you want to provide the customer with confidence that you will produce a solution that meets their needs. The Quality Plan states everything you're going to do, to ensure the quality of your solution. The first section defines the Quality targets. The second section sets out a Quality Assurance Plan. And the third section defines a Quality Control Plan. By using this template, you can create a Quality Management Plan that gives your customer a high degree of confidence that you will succeed.

In the very beginning of the project or work.

I agree with sir Alex Al Yazouri