Tag: quality tools

One of the most commonly used quality tools is 5W1H, “a method of asking questions about a process or a problem taken up for improvement.” This socratic questioning method is said to be rooted in Rudyard Kipling’s poem:

I keep six faithful serving men

(They taught me all I knew);

Their names are What and Why and When

And How and Where and Who.

Using 5W1H, we have developed a list of the most common questions we receive from inquiries regarding their product quality control initiatives.  Ask us for more information, and let us know if you have any questions to add.

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 Development

Do – Product/Process Development & Prototype Development

Check – Confirmation Product & Validation Process

Act – Continuous Improvement

With APQP, upfront planning and output review work together to support continuous improvement. Suppliers understand the requirements of all parties, and an approved product design reflects this.

The process includes:

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 originally celebrated in October.
• First promulgated by the United Nations in 1990, World Quality Day aims to raise international awareness of the important role quality plays in ensuring nations’ prosperity. Now it is celebrated annually on the second Thursday of November.
• In the UK, Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) will celebrate World Quality Day with events from November 11-15. The South African Quality Institute also celebrates National Quality Week annually.

Why do we need a World Quality Month?

What is 5S?

5S is a lean manufacturing approach to “A place for everything, and everything in its place” based on the Toyota Production System.

Quality management has compiled definitions from a variety of sources worth referencing here:

1. 5S definition of Wikipedia.com

Sort, straighten, shine, standardize, sustain: a workplace discipline used to ensure reliable work practices and a clean working environment, now used in the West but originally from Japan.

2. 5S definition of Thequalityportal.com

Seiri (sort), Seiton (set in order), Seiso (shine), Seiketsu (standardize), Shitsuke (sustain); application in manufacturing, in office.