Quality Blog

Find articles, case studies, videos and other insightful resources related to quality assurance, quality control, supply chain, and manufacturing.

What is APQP?

What is APQP?

Quality Control
Advanced Product Quality Planning, APQP, exists to ensure suppliers and manufacturers produce products that meet or exceed customer expectations. It is considered a structured approach to the design and development of new products and manufacturing processes. As part of Pro QC’s Supplier Development services, APQP incorporates the Deming Cycle, or PDCA. Plan – Technology & Concept […]
ISO 13485:201X Preparation (Medical Device Audits)

ISO 13485:201X Preparation (Medical Device Audits)

Factory Audits
ISO 13485:2003 is a standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization that specifies requirements for a medical device manufacturer to maintain a quality management system. According to the standard, these requirements “can be used by an organization for the design and development, production, installation and servicing of medical devices, and the design, development and […]
Quantifying the Importance of Quality in 2015 (US Market)

Quantifying the Importance of Quality in 2015 (US Market)

News/Quality Control
Quality Magazine recently posted an article related to the importance of quality and other interesting observations regarding their 15th Annual Spending Survey. The article indicates a positive increase in spending where quality is concerned, along with other key indicators showing support and acknowledgment of the importance of quality.  Two highlights worth noting include: 1) About half (49%) […]
Welcome 2015… Maintain Quality Resolutions

Welcome 2015… Maintain Quality Resolutions

News/Pro QC
As the first Monday of the New Year has arrived and productivity once again gains momentum, so too has the responsibility for resolution follow-through. Over the years, we have written a few articles that we think quality professionals in particular will appreciate.  We use quality tools from start to finish to ensure not only success […]
Global Supply Chains are Changing Fast & Creating New Quality Challenges

Global Supply Chains are Changing Fast & Creating New Quality Challenges

Supply chain
Our latest newsletter featured an article written by Pro QC’s VP/Americas, Michael L. Hetzel. In the article, Michael expands on the ideas he presented in a recent interview with Awarely regarding trends in logistics and supply.  The original article is posted below. “Finally, product simplification/modularization/mass customization will dictate short supply chains and inventory reductions. Manufacturing […]
Avoid shipment delays!

Avoid shipment delays!

Quality Control
Delays in shipment are not uncommon, but preventable nonetheless. There are several possible causes for shipment delays, including: Delays in shipment of raw materials or components to the assembly factory Factory equipment malfunction Human resource issues Logistics (freight forwarder) delays Incorrect order quantity loaded (partial shipment) Product gets held in Customs So, how do you avoid […]
How well are your suppliers performing?

How well are your suppliers performing?

Supplier Management
In a recent post, we discussed several New Year’s goals that we frequently hear from clients and prospects around this time of year.  One of the most common is evaluating and improving supplier performance. We know that suppliers may appear qualified at first and then fail to deliver the required quality after time and money have been invested in […]
New Year, New Goals… 2015 Quality Goals

New Year, New Goals… 2015 Quality Goals

Quality Control
As 2014 comes to a close, we are considering the quality goals and objectives we’ve discussed with our clients and partners regarding ongoing improvement in the coming year.  Some examples shared with us include: Establish and/or improve a supplier performance evaluation process Develop and implement corrective action based on factory and inspection data analysis More effectively […]
How do you know quality when you see it?

How do you know quality when you see it?

Quality Control
After describing what it is that Pro QC does the other day, an individual paused and asked how we know what quality is when we see it. And, that’s a very interesting question that many conclude is just too subjective to answer. Likely the most popular general definition is Deming’s idea of whether something is meeting or exceeding […]
World Quality Month is here… Spread the word!

World Quality Month is here… Spread the word!

News
November is recognized internationally as World Quality Month.  Some interesting fun facts regarding its origin via ASQ include: Japan has celebrated World Quality Month in November since 1960. China originally recognized World Quality Month in September starting in 1978. North America started raising awareness in 1988 and was originally celebrated in October. First promulgated by […]