How can your manufacturing process exceed quality standards?

1 Define quality standards and criteria

The first step to exceed quality standards is to define them clearly and objectively. You need to identify the quality requirements and expectations of your customers, regulators, and stakeholders, and translate them into measurable and achievable criteria. For example, you can use quality standards such as ISO 9001, Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing, or create your own based on your industry and product characteristics. You also need to establish quality indicators and metrics, such as defect rate, customer satisfaction, or yield, to monitor and evaluate your performance.

3 Conduct quality testing and inspection

The third step is to verify that your process and product conform to your quality standards and criteria. You need to conduct quality testing and inspection at different stages of your manufacturing cycle, such as incoming materials, in-process, final, or post-delivery. You need to use appropriate testing and inspection methods, such as sampling, statistical process control, or visual inspection, to detect and correct any defects, deviations, or nonconformities. You also need to document and report your quality results and findings, and keep records for traceability and accountability.

4 Perform quality improvement and control

The fourth step is to continuously improve and control your quality performance. You need to analyze your quality data and feedback, and identify the root causes of any problems or opportunities for improvement. You need to implement corrective and preventive actions, such as process optimization, error-proofing, or training, to eliminate or reduce the recurrence of defects, waste, or variation. You also need to review and update your quality standards and criteria, and ensure that they are communicated and followed by everyone involved in your manufacturing process.

5 Engage your workforce and stakeholders

The fifth step is to involve your workforce and stakeholders in your quality efforts. You need to create a culture of quality in your organization, where everyone is committed to delivering high-quality products and services to your customers. You need to train and empower your employees to follow quality procedures, identify and solve quality issues, and suggest and implement quality improvements. You also need to collaborate and communicate with your suppliers, partners, and customers, to align your quality expectations, share your quality information, and enhance your quality relationships.

6 Benchmark and innovate your quality practices

The sixth step is to compare and innovate your quality practices. You need to benchmark your quality performance against your competitors, industry standards, or best practices, and identify your strengths and weaknesses, and areas for improvement. You also need to innovate your quality practices, by adopting new technologies, methods, or ideas, that can help you improve your quality efficiency, effectiveness, or differentiation. You also need to measure and evaluate the impact of your quality innovations, and share your quality achievements and learnings.