Traceability in manufacturing refers to the capability to track and document every aspect of the production process, from raw material procurement to the finished product reaching the consumer. This ability is becoming increasingly crucial in various sectors due to the stringent regulations that require detailed tracking to ensure compliance and quality control. Traceability … [Read more...] about A Guide to Traceability in Manufacturing
Quality-Continuous Improvement
Nine Tips to Better Process Development
Achieving exceptional results in process development requires mastering specific techniques designed to design successful, waste-free processes. The initial step in effective process development is appointing a system architect who can oversee the process's comprehensive and detailed aspects and ensure alignment with broader management systems. Emphasis is placed on developing … [Read more...] about Nine Tips to Better Process Development
Mutual combination of selected principles and technologies of Industry 4.0 and quality management methods
A detailed exploration of integrating Industry 4.0 technologies and principles with quality management methods, specifically through Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), can be presented using a "Smart Factory Line" testbed. This method aims to verify the feasibility of applying FMEA in a complex technical system and to demonstrate the potential of integrating Industry 4.0 … [Read more...] about Mutual combination of selected principles and technologies of Industry 4.0 and quality management methods
Workflow Optimization: The Ultimate Guide to Process Improvement
Streamlining workflows can greatly enhance efficiency and productivity. Workflow optimization is the method of making an existing workflow faster, cheaper, and more effective. It is important to emphasize identifying essential tasks, removing redundancies, and leveraging automation to maximize operational efficiency. The benefits of this approach include improved agility, … [Read more...] about Workflow Optimization: The Ultimate Guide to Process Improvement
Operations is Your Customer
Steve Shoemaker challenges the conventional notion within engineering departments that their designs are independent of the operations team's needs. He highlights a shift in perspective and advocates for recognizing operations as the primary customer of engineering efforts. This approach stems from an exhaustive investigation into "quality escapes," where end-users find flaws, … [Read more...] about Operations is Your Customer
Maximizing Precision: How to Care for and Integrate Your Handheld Gages
Handheld gages are indispensable tools in the manufacturing industry, playing a crucial role in ensuring product quality and precision. As outlined by experts in the field, the maintenance and calibration of these tools are essential for their optimal performance. High-end gages, often accompanied by setting masters, require regular inspections and calibration to maintain … [Read more...] about Maximizing Precision: How to Care for and Integrate Your Handheld Gages
Book Review: The Dark Factory and the Future of Manufacturing
The manufacturing landscape is experiencing profound transformations, propelled by the integration of cutting-edge technologies and the principles of the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0. In "The Dark Factory and the Future of Manufacturing: A Guide to Operational Efficiency and Competitiveness," Philip J. Gisi delves into the advancements for a more automated, … [Read more...] about Book Review: The Dark Factory and the Future of Manufacturing
The Ultimate Guide to Layered Process Audits
One-point lessons serve as a concise educational tool within the manufacturing sector, distilling complex corrective actions and key learnings into easily digestible, single-page formats with engaging visuals. These lessons aim to elevate awareness around crucial safety and quality practices by summarizing the essence of problem-solving activities. Employed typically at the … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Guide to Layered Process Audits
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Key Behavior Indicators (KBIs), Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)
Ted Hessing's article delves into the fundamental frameworks of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Key Behavior Indicators (KBIs), and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) that are pivotal in measuring and tracking performance in business and management. KPIs focus on quantifiable metrics that reflect an organization's overall performance and success in achieving its key business … [Read more...] about Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Key Behavior Indicators (KBIs), Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)
Elevate Your Audits: Upgrade Your Conventional Audit Program With A Risk-Based Approach
(Note: This article requires a free account and log-in from ASQ.org) This article by Lance B. Coleman Sr. emphasizes the importance of integrating risk management into auditing processes. It advocates for a shift from traditional auditing to a risk-based approach, where risk considerations are central in structuring, planning, executing, reporting, and closing audits. This … [Read more...] about Elevate Your Audits: Upgrade Your Conventional Audit Program With A Risk-Based Approach
Bridging the Quality Management Digital Divide
Assurx, a quality compliance company, released a whitepaper on "Bridging the Quality Management Digital Divide" and emphasizes the urgent need for manufacturers to adopt an Enterprise Quality Management System (EQMS) to remain competitive and efficient in the complex and challenging environment of 2024 and beyond. The paper discusses the various market challenges manufacturers … [Read more...] about Bridging the Quality Management Digital Divide
Book Review: “Improve LESS” by Chad Bareither
"Improve LESS: The Focus and Align Framework for Sustainable Continuous Improvement" by Chad Bareither presents a novel approach to continuous improvement, advocating for focused change and aligned efforts rather than overhauling everything at once. Drawing from Bareither’s extensive experience in Lean, Six Sigma, and Industrial Engineering, the book introduces the Focus and … [Read more...] about Book Review: “Improve LESS” by Chad Bareither
What is an Agile Retrospective? An Ultimate Guide
This article by Lyssa Cluster provides a comprehensive overview of Agile retrospectives, an essential component of Agile project management. This practice involves regular, structured meetings at the end of each project iteration, allowing teams to reflect on their performance and identify areas for improvement. Cluster offers insights and practical advice for new and … [Read more...] about What is an Agile Retrospective? An Ultimate Guide
Quality Metrics and Their Reporting
This fairly practical article emphasizes the significance of quality metrics in organizations, offering a methodology for effectively selecting, tracking, and reporting these metrics. The article outlines that quality metrics should be monitored to benefit the enterprise. Good metrics are described as providing an unbiased performance assessment and maintaining a balance … [Read more...] about Quality Metrics and Their Reporting
What Quality Management Trends to Watch For in 2024
The evolving landscape of quality management emphasizes the integration of new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and promote operational excellence. The article points out several critical trends expected to impact the quality management field significantly by 2024, such as machine learning. One major trend is augmented analytics, which … [Read more...] about What Quality Management Trends to Watch For in 2024
The Ultimate Guide to Process Improvement Methodologies For Increased Productivity
KaiNexus delves into the significance and methodologies of process improvement in businesses. According to a study by the International Quality and Productivity Center (IQPC), businesses that prioritize process improvement witness a substantial increase in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Process improvement methodologies, such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Agile, … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Guide to Process Improvement Methodologies For Increased Productivity
Quality Assurance Checklist: A Quality Management Essential
Quality assurance involves ensuring that all project factors are met and follow expected requirements. This article outlines the differences between quality assurance and quality control as well as best practices. The concept of quality assurance can cover many aspects of various products and services, including design, development, operations, delivery, and more. The … [Read more...] about Quality Assurance Checklist: A Quality Management Essential
Advancing learning in a lean organization
This article outlines how lean organizations, particularly managers and employees, can use different ways of learning depending on how much is known about problems. These stages include the known, known unknown, and unknown "unknown" stages. The author discusses learning in the context of Lean Thinking, a management philosophy focused on maximizing value and minimizing … [Read more...] about Advancing learning in a lean organization
Why Time Study Analysis is Key and How to Conduct One
Organizations can achieve greater efficiency on their production floor through a time study, which observes, records, and evaluates labor work to ensure that qualified employees do specific tasks under specific conditions and at a precise rate. Performing a time study demands attentive preparation and comprehensive planning. This article shows why organizations should consider … [Read more...] about Why Time Study Analysis is Key and How to Conduct One
Don’t Follow a Broken Compass: How to Validate Your Data
Lucid's Strategy & Analytics team is responsible for aiding stakeholders in achieving business impact. To do so, they use strategic analyses (recommendations based on data) and data modeling (organizing data to be accessible and useful for the company). Charles Babbage, otherwise known as the “father of the computer” said that “errors using inadequate data are much less … [Read more...] about Don’t Follow a Broken Compass: How to Validate Your Data