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
Quality-Quality Management
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?”
ESG compliance: What It Is and Why It’s Important to Start Preparing Now
This article highlights the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance for organizations. ESG compliance involves adhering to environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance guidelines. These guidelines may be set by government and regulatory bodies or internally developed by organizations. The article emphasizes that ESG … [Read more...] about ESG compliance: What It Is and Why It’s Important to Start Preparing Now
Management Reviews Under ISO 9001: How Frequently Should They Be Held?
This forum thread delves into setting intervals for Management Reviews as per ISO 9001:2015. The discussion was initiated by a user who faced an audit issue due to not holding Management Review Meetings (MRM) quarterly, as stated in their procedures manual. The user expressed the challenges of having these meetings due to time constraints and sought advice on whether it's … [Read more...] about Management Reviews Under ISO 9001: How Frequently Should They Be Held?
Is there an obligation to accept customer-led audits?
In quality management, audits are a cornerstone, ensuring that processes and products adhere to specified requirements. The discussion on customer audits in the automobile industry, as explored in this Elsmar Cove forum thread, offers a lens into the broader intricacies of quality assurance in real-world business contexts.The forum thread delves into customer audits in the … [Read more...] about Is there an obligation to accept customer-led audits?
The Best Tools and Methods for Analyzing the Root Cause of Rework and Scrap Costs
In a collaborative LinkedIn article, professionals from various industries discuss and share insights on a specific topic. This particular article focuses on the best tools and methods for conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for rework. RCA is a critical process that helps organizations identify the underlying reasons for defects or failures, enabling them to implement … [Read more...] about The Best Tools and Methods for Analyzing the Root Cause of Rework and Scrap Costs
Green Lean Six Sigma and Improving Manufacturing Sustainability
The article delves into the pressing need for manufacturing industries to prioritize sustainability alongside operational efficiency due to the evolving competitive landscape, informed customers, and stringent regulations. The study's primary objective was to create a Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) framework to enhance operational efficiency while addressing environmental and … [Read more...] about Green Lean Six Sigma and Improving Manufacturing Sustainability
Accuracy, Precision, and Calibration in Quality Management
The Pragmatic Quality Blog delves into the significance of accuracy, precision, and calibration in any Quality Management System. The author emphasizes that while many understand the importance of calibration, especially when precision measurements are required for product manufacturing, the depth of the mathematical theory underlying calibration is often overlooked. The … [Read more...] about Accuracy, Precision, and Calibration in Quality Management
4 Ways Manufacturers Can Drive Business Efficiency With AI
In the current artificial intelligence (AI) boom, the manufacturing industry is actively harnessing the power of AI to enhance its operations and processes. Manufacturing is crucial in the global economy, contributing to about 11% of America's GDP. Recognizing the potential of AI, manufacturing leaders are exploring ways to achieve significant productivity gains and cost … [Read more...] about 4 Ways Manufacturers Can Drive Business Efficiency With AI
The Concept of Quality: Little q VS Big Q.
This article delves into the concept of quality, sketching various aspects of quality that organizations should consider when they relate to their suppliers, who may have different definitions. These aspects include "little quality" and "big quality." For example, little quality (or 'little q') involves whether products that organizations receive are accepted and meet … [Read more...] about The Concept of Quality: Little q VS Big Q.
What if ISO had to explain its changes?
What if ISO had to explain changes to its standards? Should ISO require official documentation explaining the specific value of certain changes to users? This blog post from a quality management expert answers this and similar questions. The author posits whether ISO should require public reasons to the full clauses of its standards and whether ISO should go further in … [Read more...] about What if ISO had to explain its changes?
How Do Remote Audits and ISO Certification Work?
Nowadays, ISO certification and auditing are essential for organizations to use. Auditing allows for formal accreditation and together, implementing them is the best practice to achieve approval.Remote auditing is now critical with the digital revolution expanding into multiple industrial sectors. Day by day, the significance of remote audits grows as they help manage … [Read more...] about How Do Remote Audits and ISO Certification Work?
Quality vs. Inflation and the Deficit
Quality professionals may have more tools to address inflation than previously believed, specifically by removing waste within their organizations. For manufacturers, eliminating waste from supply chains can lower prices, raise wages, and boost profits since waste contributes to inflation. Waste begets poorer quality as organizations spend more on unproductive labor, energy, … [Read more...] about Quality vs. Inflation and the Deficit
What is an Internal Auditor?
Planning on finding an internal auditor? Listen to the following advice. An internal auditor who deals in quality management assesses your organization’s business activity to make sure you consistently meet compliance and your best performance. The internal auditor evaluates procedures surrounding quality and risk management, as well as internal control, when performing their … [Read more...] about What is an Internal Auditor?
Research Reveals Employee Engagement is Key to Both EHS and ESG Performance
In the health and safety of occupations, employees are faced with the culture and engagement dilemmas of the workplace. According to Technologies LLC’s research, environment, social, and corporate governance performance (ESG) are likely to be majorly impacted. The research report identified that bolstering EGS and EHS performances slows EGS progress when employees are reluctant … [Read more...] about Research Reveals Employee Engagement is Key to Both EHS and ESG Performance
Boosting business performance through knowledge management
ISO 9001 Clause 7.1.5 requires maintaining organizational knowledge. One form of this maintenance can include effective knowledge management (EKM), which seeks to highlight what knowledge is so organizations can solve problems better. EKM includes access to relevant facts and expertise; a common language used to describe facts, concepts, issues, and concerns; the ability to … [Read more...] about Boosting business performance through knowledge management
An empirical study into the reasons for failure of sustaining operational excellence initiatives in organizations
A survey of 106 experts involved in implementing operational excellence (OPEX) initiatives such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile found that 15% of companies studied did not adopt any type of OPEX. For those that did adopt OPEX methods, roughly 75% chose Six Sigma, fewer than 50% adopted Lean initiatives, and fewer than 5% used Kaizen. This study, published in The TQM Journal, is … [Read more...] about An empirical study into the reasons for failure of sustaining operational excellence initiatives in organizations
The Purpose and Importance of Audit Trails
It is a general principle that well-managed audit trails are key indicators of good internal business controls. Over the last few decades, audit trails have transitioned from manual to automated electronic logs that make this historical information more accurate, readily accessible, and usable. This article will define an audit trail, what should be included, the importance … [Read more...] about The Purpose and Importance of Audit Trails
How To Manage Multiple And Diverse Customer Needs?
As a business owner, you will likely face the challenge of resolving conflicting customer requirements. Managing a diverse customer base and their unique needs can be challenging simultaneously.Types of DiversityThere are many types of diversity. Some examples include:• Diversity in gender, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, etc.• Diversity between products and services• … [Read more...] about How To Manage Multiple And Diverse Customer Needs?