Quality control, in manufacturing, is a process that ensures customers receive products devoid of defects and that also meet their needs. The problem is, when approached incorrectly, this process can put consumers at risk. How, you ask?
That’s a very good question.Think about the more recent defect discovered in Takata airbags, which resulted in the largest automotive recall in history – a recall that included almost 69 million airbag inflators and threatened to cost billions of dollars. This recall is expected to last until the end of 2019 and to take until 2020 to resolve…not a pleasing prospect, to be sure.
But major recalls like these can be prevented through effective quality control in manufacturing. Some common tools used to support quality control in the manufacturing sector include:
- Statistical Process Control (SPC) – This monitors and controls quality by tracking (a word we’re going to refocus this blog on in a moment) production metrics, and helps quality managers identify and solve problems before products leave the facility.
- Six Sigma – This uses five key principles to ensure products meet customers’ needs while exuding zero defects.
Because we brought up “tracking,” let’s now discuss the topic of tracking quality within the manufacturing process.
We here at Insight Works bring our own solution to the quality tracking table through an add-on for Microsoft Dynamics dubbed Shop Floor Insight, a comprehensive approach to barcoded time capture, time and attendance and employee time management. Amidst the myriad of incredible features Shop Floor Insight offers is its quality tracking module, and this is one such way productivity tools are helping manufacturers manage the quality assurance process.
A Brief Look at Shop Floor Insight’s Quality Tracking Module
Enabling manufacturing personnel to easily manage their quality assurance process for the purpose of increasing customer satisfaction, Shop Floor Insight’s quality tracking module helps reduce redundant work and returns by allowing staff to track information that relates to quality – whether it be to collect information for audits, comply with third-party regulations, track batch data, check that shipments are prepared correctly or ensure parts are produced within spec.
The bottom line is that with a tool like this, you’re in control.
How Exactly Does Quality Tracking Benefit Manufacturing?
We totally understand that in the manufacturing world, customers expect and demand high-quality products. When bringing quality tracking processes into the mix, you can rest assured knowing your operations will ultimately:
- Increase customer loyalty
- Contribute to the overall positive branding of your product
- Improve safety
- Reduce liability risks
- Maintain or even improve your market position
- Yield repeat business
- Reward you with new customers from referrals…and isn’t that what it’s all about?
It’s a known fact that manufacturers that put in place quality control and tracking processes are far less likely to experience recalls on their products, or place customers at risk from poorly-made items. And, don’t forget: The costs associated with these recalls can indeed be steep (think about the Takata airbag recall we mentioned).
From “the shop floor to the top floor,” a commitment to quality through a stable, efficient tracking procedure permeates every process workflow, supply chain interaction, production plan and finished product quality.
Insight Works, as a global leader in operational productivity improvement, is continuously changing the quality assurance game through one simple equation: Tools + Experience = Business Done Better.
