In the evolving manufacturing landscape, robotic assistance emerges as a critical solution to meeting the heightened demands of modern quality control. Traditionally, manufacturers have leaned heavily on manual systems for quality checks despite their understanding and adoption of automation in production processes. However, the detailed and repetitive nature of quality control … [Read more...] about Meeting the Demands of Modern Quality Control With Robotic Assistance
Quality-Quality Management
Losing Faith in LEAN
LEAN management, originally derived from Toyota's operational efficiency system, has seen a fluctuation in faith from professionals engaged with its methodologies for extended periods. While new adopters continue to enter the LEAN sphere, keeping its principles in circulation, veterans often find themselves disillusioned. This disenchantment stems from a dissonance between the … [Read more...] about Losing Faith in LEAN
Data Quality vs. Data Enrichment
Manufacturers are collecting information from an ever-broadening network of sources. Whether it’s time-series data from traditional physical sensors, real-time video streams, or unstructured and manually entered reports, data are at the core of day-to-day operational decision making. What are the nuances of Data Quality (DQ) and Data Enrichment? Highlighting their critical … [Read more...] about Data Quality vs. Data Enrichment
Differentiating Between Tactile and Optical Measurement Technology for Dimensional Inspection
The article addresses the evolving requirements in part quality assessments within manufacturing processes, emphasizing the need for precise geometric dimension checks and comprehensive documentation. It introduces a critical decision-making process for acquiring new 3D measuring systems—choosing between tactile and optical measurement technologies. Tactile 3D systems, which … [Read more...] about Differentiating Between Tactile and Optical Measurement Technology for Dimensional Inspection
How To Choose Which Factory Audit You Need?
Choosing the right factory audit is crucial for importers to evaluate potential suppliers' reliability, capabilities, and risks. Given the variety of factory audits available, making the right selection depends on several factors, including the possibility of conducting an on-site audit, the supplier's willingness to be audited, and the specific aspects the buyer wishes to … [Read more...] about How To Choose Which Factory Audit You Need?
Five core practices for Operational Excellence (OpEx)
Benjamin Taylor's article outlines the essence of Operational Excellence (OpEx) and its reliance on people-centric approaches. The piece humorously begins by depicting managers' selective attention to OpEx principles, often overlooking the crucial chapter on Respect For People. However, Taylor emphasizes that at the Operational Excellence Summit in Hamburg, a resounding theme … [Read more...] about Five core practices for Operational Excellence (OpEx)
Can You Still Fail With a Quality System?
Boeing has experienced challenging incidents over the past year, highlighting potential weaknesses within its Quality system. Various issues, ranging from lost wheels and cracked cockpit windows to engine fires across different flights and aircraft models, including the 737 MAX series, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of Boeing's quality management and safety … [Read more...] about Can You Still Fail With a Quality System?
How Technology and Data Analytics are Revolutionizing Auditing
This article by Genevieve Diesing is the second of a 2-part article on auditing and highlights the transformative impact of technology and data analytics on auditing. Traditional auditing methods are replaced by more efficient techniques facilitated by data analytics and advanced information technology. This shift has made many conventional auditing practices obsolete, allowing … [Read more...] about How Technology and Data Analytics are Revolutionizing Auditing
Auditing 101: Understanding Audits and Tips to Prepare
This article by Genevieve Diesing is the first of a 2-part article on the crucial role of auditing in a quality management system (QMS). Auditing validates that a company's activities align with its declared commitment to quality, as outlined in its QMS, and drives continuous improvement.An audit acts as a health check for business processes, assessing their alignment with the … [Read more...] about Auditing 101: Understanding Audits and Tips to Prepare
5 Key Components of Quality Control Measures
This article from FATFINGER provides a detailed overview of the five critical components of quality control measures in manufacturing. These measures ensure that products meet or exceed the highest standards. The first component, Product Design Analysis, emphasizes collaboration between design and production teams and the integration of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) … [Read more...] about 5 Key Components of Quality Control Measures
Product Quality Strategies: 13 You Need To Use
Adrian Leighton outlines 13 essential product quality strategies for achieving consistent product quality. These strategies are categorized into pre-production and post-production stages, providing a comprehensive approach to quality assurance.In the pre-production phase, Leighton emphasizes the importance of due diligence in supplier selection, defining clear quality … [Read more...] about Product Quality Strategies: 13 You Need To Use
What’s Your Process Language?
In this article, Thomas Kohlenbach emphasizes the importance of clear communication and understanding in process management, drawing from his experience in process excellence. He begins with an anecdote from a client visit in Bangkok, where he spoke in German to a team of Thai executives, highlighting the significance of using a common language for effective communication. This … [Read more...] about What’s Your Process Language?
Critical Failure Factors for Quality 4.0: An Exploratory Qualitative Study
This academic article, published in the International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, delves into Quality 4.0 (Q4.0), a new concept in the field of quality management. The study aims to explore the critical failure factors (CFFs) associated with the implementation of Q4.0 and how its failure can be measured. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews … [Read more...] about Critical Failure Factors for Quality 4.0: An Exploratory Qualitative Study
Are You Falling for These Audit Misconceptions?
Chinmay Kulkarni, a Technology Risk Assurance Consultant at EY US, addresses common misconceptions about auditing. He highlights that audits are often misunderstood, leading to several myths he aims to debunk.One major myth Kulkarni dispels is that auditors focus solely on finding faults. Contrary to this belief, he clarifies that the primary goal of an audit is to uncover … [Read more...] about Are You Falling for These Audit Misconceptions?
Forum Discussion: Clause 7.5.3 and Required Work Instructions in ISO 9001
This forum discussion from late November 2023 focused on the requirement of work instructions in Clause 7.5.3 Required Work Instructions in ISO 9001, particularly under controlled conditions as per clause 8.5.1. One user pointed out a potential misinterpretation of the clause, suggesting that the necessity for documented information should be determined based on its … [Read more...] about Forum Discussion: Clause 7.5.3 and Required Work Instructions in ISO 9001
Quality 4.0: Learning Quality Control, The Evolution of Statistical Quality Control
This article introduces a new concept called Learning Quality Control (LQC), an evolution of Statistical Quality Control (SQC). LQC is a process monitoring system that leverages machine learning and deep learning to enhance quality control in manufacturing. It focuses on real-time defect prediction or detection using historical samples, which include process measurements and … [Read more...] about Quality 4.0: Learning Quality Control, The Evolution of Statistical Quality Control
A Process for All Reasons: Satisfying Customers, Stakeholders, and Budgets
In this article, Ian Lazarus discusses the challenges of balancing customer satisfaction, stakeholder interests, and budget constraints in process improvement and design. Lazarus starts by addressing the dilemma of creating enduring quality in products and processes, particularly when faced with the desire for rich and flexible design. He points out that simply saying “no” to … [Read more...] about A Process for All Reasons: Satisfying Customers, Stakeholders, and Budgets
A Benefit Costing Process for Lean Six Sigma Programs
This academic study published in "The TQM Journal," addresses the gap between financial measurement and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodologies in process improvement initiatives. The study aims to enhance employee engagement by designing a process and a benefit measuring methodology that aligns with financial metrics and LSS principles, particularly in eliminating waste.The … [Read more...] about A Benefit Costing Process for Lean Six Sigma Programs
ASQ Releases 2023 Insights On Excellence Category Report
(Must enter contact information to receive full PDF report)The 2023 "ASQE Insights On Excellence Category Report" analyzes the trends and shifts in quality management practices across various industries. The quality report, based on data collected via a survey in 2022, builds upon foundational data established since 2020 and introduces a new category focused on Environmental, … [Read more...] about ASQ Releases 2023 Insights On Excellence Category Report
“Does ISO 9001 really require THAT?”
A common issue faced by professionals working with the ISO 9001 standard involves dealing with individuals who misinterpret the standard's requirements in extreme ways. The article describes scenarios where people, sometimes even auditors, assert that ISO 9001 requires absurd or overly specific practices, such as documenting paper clip usage or placing clear labels on items. … [Read more...] about “Does ISO 9001 really require THAT?”