quality tools

All articles tagged “quality tools”.

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 […]
Simplified 5S: What is it & why is it important?

Simplified 5S: What is it & why is it important?

Quality Control
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 […]
The Crow & the Pitcher… Quality Lessons from Aesop

The Crow & the Pitcher… Quality Lessons from Aesop

Quality Control
We came across an article from Lifehacker the other day discussing childhood fables and other moral stories that are applicable to adults as well. One of the stories shared resonated with us.  It’s Aesop’s The Crow & the Pitcher: The Story: A crow is flying around on an abnormally hot summer day looking for water. He […]
Fishbone Example: Rejected Pre-Shipment Inspections

Fishbone Example: Rejected Pre-Shipment Inspections

Product Inspection
We like Ishikawa’s fishbone diagrams also referred to as cause and effect diagrams for good reason.  They’re great for figuring out why something isn’t working. For our clients, it is not uncommon for pre-shipment inspections to uncover trends in failures.  When this happens, we want to know why the problem is occurring so appropriate corrective […]
Successful New Year’s Resolutions – Using Quality Tools

Successful New Year’s Resolutions – Using Quality Tools

Quality Control
Throughout the world, personal resolutions (commitments) are made as the year comes to an end. From ancient Babylonians returning borrowed objects and paying debts to medieval knights taking the “peacock vow” and re-affirming their commitment to chivalry, starting fresh with each New Year is a timeless practice. Surprisingly, it is estimated that as many as […]
Checklists!

Checklists!

Quality Control
ASQ’s recent video featuring the use of checklists for organizing grocery lists and improving shopping productivity has us thinking about how useful this quality tool really is. “A checklist is a list of items required, things to be done, or points to be considered, used as a reminder. It is used so as to help […]
Using a Grid Analysis for Supplier Selection

Using a Grid Analysis for Supplier Selection

Supply chain
An article was published in MasterControl’s November newsletter that simplifies the process of supplier selection.  A grid analysis is great for almost any decision-making situation where you want to objectively compare multiple options.  It also complements many other decision-making tools as well. Per the article, factors that should be considered in the grid analysis for […]
Selecting suppliers using a grid analysis

Selecting suppliers using a grid analysis

Supplier Management
Let’s say you need to find a manufacturer for a new product.  It’s easy to look at the cost and weigh heavily in that direction.  However, this often results in regrets later when shipment delays and other quality issues occur. A useful quality tool for making such decisions is the Grid Analysis.  It allows you […]