Quality Management
In the article, the authors present the quality assurance matrix (QAM), and quality control story (QC) as effective methods of approaching, analyzing, and tackling quality control issues in the context of the automotive industry. The quality control matrix is presented as a controlled and standardized process that is effective in analyzing actual or potential concerns in quality, their criticality to the satisfaction of customers. It further provides an evaluation of the inspection and manufacturing process, assessing its integrity against the graveness of the actual or potential quality concern. For example, the authors present this model in a vehicle axle manufacturing process for quality control – the model analyses possible concerns as identified, the impact on the customer. On the other hand, the quality control story (QM) has been presented as a problem-solving approach. The authors present the quality control story as an avenue for post-QAM performance and process enhancement tool – it ensures a comprehensive approach to quality control and addressees efficiency, conciseness, and manner. The quality control method, in this context, is used to identify possible shortcomings in various aspects of the process ranging from management, method, personnel, and finally means (Sicoe, Belu, Rachieru & Nicolae, 2017). These are critical parameters that are vital to the quality control management context of the vehicle axle assembly case, as presented in this article.
Various tools can be implemented in the application of the quality control story and quality assurance matrix. For the quality assurance matrix, any non-compliance or failure in the process of manufacturing that has adverse effects on a customer must be identified and effectively eradicated. Various tools can be implemented in this case. These vary from the anti error systems (Poka-yoke) and other protection systems as related to non-conformities to the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle structure. In the case of the quality control story, a creative approach to the quality control process leads to the creative problem-solving quality control story (CPS-QC Story). It combines TRIZ; a vital forecasting, analysis, and problem-solving tool, and the traditional QC story (Sicoe, Belu, Rachieru & Nicolae, 2017). It bases on solving issues from the analyses and considerations derived from data and facts. These methods are vital and complementary, as presented by the authors. Identification of various shortcomings by the quality assurance matrix approach is further remedied by the application of a quality control story.
The manufacturing industry is essential. Stakeholders in this industry understand the need for enhanced quality control methods. Quality control provides an enhanced level of guarantee for customers protecting them from defective and non-effective products. It is vital for various methods, such as different statistical quality and process control tools, to be effectively applied. For example, a quality control story is a powerful tool. Given the electronics manufacturing industry, quality control in the context of product artistry is a vital issue. The craft is imparted on a product and has a fundamental impact on the reliability of the specific product. Various standards have been put across to handle this aspect of electronics manufacturing in the sense of standardization. Printed circuit board (PCBA) assembly failures and quality issues can be assessed and analyzed effectively to ensure that there is sufficient data to approach these eventualities using a quality analysis story application. Various elements, such as the management, methods, personnel, and means can be adjusted accordingly to eliminate errors and shortcomings in quality. For example, these could include process failures, technological incapability, and more. For instance, the personnel can be provided with sufficient training in the required areas. In the case of methods and processes, these can be changed and morphed to adapt to innovation and development in the context of quality control.
Reference
Sicoe, G., Belu, N., Rachieru, N., & Nicolae, E. (2017). Improvement of customer satisfaction through Quality Assurance Matrix and QC-Story methods: A case study from the automotive industry. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science And Engineering, 252, 012045. doi: 10.1088/1757-899x/252/1/012045