In manufacturing, quality control is a process that ensures customers receive products free from defects and meet their needs. When done the wrong way, it can put consumers at risk. For example, the recent defect found in Takata airbags resulted in the biggest automotive recall in history. The recall includes almost 69 million airbag inflators and may cost billions of dollars. The recall will last until the end of 2019 and take until 2020 to resolve.
Major recalls like these can be prevented through effective quality control in manufacturing. Some common tools used to support quality control include:
Statistical process control (SPC) monitors and controls quality by tracking production metrics. It helps quality managers identify and solve problems before products leave the facility.
Six Sigma uses five key principles to ensure products meet customers’ needs and have zero defects.
When supported by lean tools like Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), 5S, and Kaizen, most if not all defects can be eliminated.
Customers expect and demand high-quality products. When customers receive quality products you will:
Manufacturers with quality control procedures in place are far less likely to face product recalls or place customers at risk from poorly made products. The cost associated with these recalls can be steep. Testament to this is the Takata recall, which is estimated to cost the company between $7 and $24 billion.
Quality control in manufacturing can be a little tricky. Often, it is done at the end of the production process, only catching defects after the fact.
Effective quality control is more involved and should include two levels:
By monitoring products at the end of production as well as reviewing the products’ design, companies can solve problems more efficiently, saving time and money.
Quality assurance streamlines production and helps to ensure that the final products meet the company’s quality criteria. It ensures that the processes used to design, test, and produce products will be done correctly.
In manufacturing, quality assurance approaches, like ISO 9001, help manage and improve many processes, including:
For every business, quality assurance is different. However, ISO 9001 works for businesses both large and small and can be adapted for most any need. It provides the means for creating a lasting quality assurance program, ensuring that everything, from raw materials to inspection procedures are of the highest quality. Issues and defects from poor quality materials or third-party components are all but eliminated.
Lean manufacturing tools can bolster your company’s quality program. Lean revolves around improving quality and safety while increasing efficiency and profits. Some powerful lean manufacturing tools that can bolster your quality system include:
While every facility has different needs and may require a different lean tool, using lean to support quality control is essential. Procedures will be simplified, and the number of errors will be reduced.
To implement an effective quality control program, first create and document your approach to quality control. This includes:
Next, you will need to create procedures for handling defects. Consider the following:
Finally, use a method like 5-Whys to identify the root cause of the defect, make any needed changes, and ensure your products are defect free.
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