Last week I talked about what a "real root cause" actually is, but I didn't say much about how to find them. Maybe a couple more words would be helpful. There are several tools you can use to dig out a root cause from under a big pile of symptoms. The simplest one is called a "Five-why analysis," and you can think of it as "problem-solving by a bright, persistent … [Read more...] about Finding root causes, Part 1: 5-Whys
Three Steps to Reduce Complexity in Product Configurations
As customer demands for more customization and choice increase, the complexity of products and associated product design, manufacturing, and sales processes also increase. Product life cycles are also getting shorter, requiring a constant flow of new products with high-value features and capabilities.This challenges product design and engineering processes to become leaner, … [Read more...] about Three Steps to Reduce Complexity in Product Configurations
A Guide to Quality Risk Management
The main aim of any risk management plan is to make an adverse event less likely to be fatal to your business and reduce the damage done by similar threats when they happen again. All organizations should use risk identification, assessment and management to capitalize on their strengths and evaluate weaknesses.Similarly, quality management is a process that ensures your … [Read more...] about A Guide to Quality Risk Management
How to Use Google Forms to Create an Interactive Workflow
Google Forms is the office workflow interface you didn't know you needed.Google Forms isn't just another simple survey tool. In its simplest form, it can be used as a free data collection tool. With a little know-how, you can unleash the combined power within Google Forms, Google Sheets, and Add-ons to create some powerful workflows to help you get more done in the office.Why … [Read more...] about How to Use Google Forms to Create an Interactive Workflow
Spending is Back: The 21st Annual Quality Spending Survey
It’s time to invest.According to our 21st Annual Quality Spending Survey, respondents are interested in purchasing new equipment, software and services now.Last year at this time, respondents were worried about family members contracting COVID-19 as well as about the current economy. Those fears have declined this year.While respondents plan to invest similar amounts across the … [Read more...] about Spending is Back: The 21st Annual Quality Spending Survey
Changes in the New ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002
ISO/IEC 27001 is under revision, and ISO/IEC 27002:2022 – Information Security, Cybersecurity And Privacy Protection – Information Security Controls has been released. The latest revision of ISO/IEC 27002 was published in February 2022, and ISO/IEC 27001 will follow shortly thereafter. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical … [Read more...] about Changes in the New ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002
Use a Corrective Action Plan after a Failed Inspect
So, the inspector sent you their report, and you see quality issue(s) that you cannot accept in some of your products. It’s classified as a failed inspection, and you tell the supplier about the issues. This is where a corrective action plan will be helpful to find and eliminate the cause/s of the issues…Quality issues have been found. What next..?You want this batch to be … [Read more...] about Use a Corrective Action Plan after a Failed Inspect
ISO 31000:2018 – Risk management
ISO 31000:2018(en)Risk management — GuidelinesOrganizations of all types and sizes face external and internal factors and influences that make it uncertain whether they will achieve their objectives. Managing risk is iterative and assists organizations in setting strategy, achieving objectives and making informed decisions. Managing risk is part of governance and leadership, … [Read more...] about ISO 31000:2018 – Risk management
Definition: High Reliability Organization (HRO)
What is an HRO?Research by a variety of experts, including Karl Weick, Kathleen Sutcliffe, and Karleen Roberts amongst others has driven the evolution of our understanding over 3 decades. Here is a current definition to work from:A High Reliability Organization (HRO) functions with systems and people in place that are exceptionally consistent in accomplishing their goals … [Read more...] about Definition: High Reliability Organization (HRO)
Instilling lifecycle costs into modular product development for improved remanufacturing-product service system enterprise
HighlightsPairwise assessment of modules enables an efficient modular product development.Modular product design enhances PSS-Remanufacturing business initiative.Integrating lifecycle costs into product development improves PSS-Remanufacturing.Analytic-based guidance enhances decision making about product architecture.Multi-objective analysis enhances decision making in product … [Read more...] about Instilling lifecycle costs into modular product development for improved remanufacturing-product service system enterprise
Supply chain resilience in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic: A resource orchestration perspective
HighlightsThis paper investigates the resilience in the UK supply chains during the COVID-19.It shows the antecedents of the supply chain resilience during a severe disruption.Supply chain disruption orientation and alertness contribute to the resilience.Also, resource reconfiguration positively impacts supply chain resilience.Supply chain efficiency was not a priority for … [Read more...] about Supply chain resilience in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic: A resource orchestration perspective
What does “external documents control” mean in ISO 9001?
Can you imagine the possible consequences of selling a product or service that no longer complies with legislation because the seller was not aware of legislative changes? Can you imagine receiving a complaint from a customer because he claims that the product received no longer meets the last version of an ISO standard that your company mentions in the product specification … [Read more...] about What does “external documents control” mean in ISO 9001?
Five Whys Analysis: How to Use It to Improve Business Performance
The five whys method is a simple way to identify root causes. It involves asking "why" five times. This allows you to discover what's causing problems and why they exist.5 Whys: The Ultimate Root Cause Analysis ToolThe 5 Why process is one of the most powerful tools for problem-solving and improving quality. It works by asking "why" five times, which forces people to consider … [Read more...] about Five Whys Analysis: How to Use It to Improve Business Performance
7 Reasons Why Ignoring Factory Audits Will Hurt Your Business
If you start working with a new supplier that you haven’t visited or audited on-site, do you feel safe about your decision?I have talked to many people in that situation, and they usually haven’t fully realized what they might be missing. So, that’s what I am going to cover in this article.(I am discussing only audits of a factory’s quality system and processes, in the context … [Read more...] about 7 Reasons Why Ignoring Factory Audits Will Hurt Your Business
Five Missing Pieces in Your Standardized Work
So, how is your standardized work (SW) implementation going?Responses to that usually paint an ugly picture. Here’s what I frequently hear:“We just don’t have the discipline Toyota has to make SW work.”“We put it in place, but the people don’t follow it.”“We have trouble transferring good SW from one worksite to another.”“We are good at determining the One Best … [Read more...] about Five Missing Pieces in Your Standardized Work
New 2022 Market Guide for Quality Management System Software
This new Gartner® research assesses the QMS software market and summarizes QMS applications and their providers. According to Gartner "As organizations plot their emergence from COVID-19 disruptions, they face a number of new challenges including permanent shifts to remote/hybrid working, disruptive global supply crunches, and changes in demand and consumer profiles. … [Read more...] about New 2022 Market Guide for Quality Management System Software
Quality Plan – What is it, Purpose and Contents
The purpose of a quality plan is to help an organization manage its quality program effectively and efficiently. It also helps the organization maintain consistency throughout its operations. The document should be developed so that it can be easily understood and implemented by all those involved with the product or service being planned.This article will provide you with … [Read more...] about Quality Plan – What is it, Purpose and Contents
ISO 31000:2018-Risk Management: A Practical Guide
Every organization faces risks that could impact its objectives. Organizations that have identified risks and committed to the effective management of those risks will be better prepared to deal with them. This handbook, published jointly by ISO and UNIDO, provides valuable insights into the implementation of ISO 31000 Risk management – Guidelines.Read the full article … [Read more...] about ISO 31000:2018-Risk Management: A Practical Guide
Becoming a Quality Engineer – Roles, Qualifications, Salary and Career Paths
What is a Quality Engineer?The term ‘quality engineer’ has been used in different ways by various industries, but some common definitions include:1) A person who inspects or tests materials, components, equipment, or parts, including checking for defects, measuring dimensions and tolerances, and performing tests on samples.2) An individual employed by an organization whose … [Read more...] about Becoming a Quality Engineer – Roles, Qualifications, Salary and Career Paths
What is a management system? A brief explanation and introduction
Management systems distinguish professional companies from those in which things happen randomly and on-demand.Different motives underlie the introduction of management systems:Business causes: Companies want to improve their performance and efficiency.Competitive causes: Companies want to be certified to a management system (e.g., ISO 9001:2015).Regulatory … [Read more...] about What is a management system? A brief explanation and introduction