Quality Control
One of the basic concepts of the Quality Management System is Quality Control, i.e. the set of activities aimed at monitoring the quality standards of the products manufactured.
The operations connected with quality control allow timely intervention to correct any errors that could have a major impact on the company's final costs, both in terms of rejects and rework, and complaints from customers.
Implementing an effective quality control system requires proper planning in terms of:
- Required quality level: what is to be controlled, technical specifications,
- Definition of control procedures,
- Timing and regular scheduling of controls,
- Definitions of permissible tolerance values.
During monitoring, QC staff carry out tests and inspections to check that the parameters specified by customers or international directives and standards are met. We can identify three main moments during which controls can be scheduled:
- at the entry of raw materials, to be sure that the materials comply with the parameters indicated;
- during the various production phases;
- on finished products before delivering them to the customer.
How to optimise quality control
These activities therefore allow production to be monitored, an activity that is particularly important when large quantities of products are manufactured in a short space of time. It is obvious, in fact, that an error that is not identified and corrected can lead to the production of a very large number of non-conforming products.
It is not easy, of course, to manage and predict all the variables and a small percentage of defects will still be present. However, a valuable support to companies in terms of data collection, processing and management can come from industrial automation. This, in fact, allows us to, among other things
- Eliminate errors due to the human factor,
- Monitor machines in real time,
- Reduce environmental impact thanks to strong computerisation.
Advantages of effective quality control
Effective quality control management allows, therefore, to deliver to the customer a product that meets all the required parameters. This translates into tangible benefits, such as:
- Customer loyalty: a satisfied customer is unlikely to change supplier
- Drastic reduction/elimination of errors. By identifying production defects, they can be prevented by limiting the production of defective material
- Reduction of waste, saving time and money
- Improved safety: a defective product can be dangerous and the consequences can fall on the manufacturing company
- Increased profits: eliminating the costs associated with reworking and recalling non-conforming parts increases profit margins
- Corporate image: if a company is reliable and 'works' well, it will have a reputational benefit
Planning and following all procedures is not always easy. There are some tools that can provide valuable support (Six Sigma, ISO 9000, TPM, Kaizen...), but certainly a key factor is employee involvement. But not only those responsible for quality or the various departments, but all the operators who work on products on a daily basis and are able to identify and report anomalies, defects or non-conformities.
Here again, training, the sharing of corporate know-how and the creation of a corporate culture shared by all, which can create team spirit and the will to achieve objectives, become fundamental.
At Metalpress we are certified ISO 9001:2015 for Quality System management.
