For Manufacturers, Quality Control Should Be Sales MVP
For companies that manufacture products of any kind, there is a direct link between quality control and number of units sold. The term “quality control” is often used loosely and means different things to different people. The resource, we are glad to report, goes to the trouble of defining quality control and distinguishing it from quality assurance, another important discipline in manufacturing. The essence of quality control is its focus on preventing defective products from reaching the customer – this is the overarching goal of QC and the purpose behind every QC test, inspection, report and review. Once you understand this simple (but sometimes elusive) definition of QC, its connection to sales becomes crystal clear.
These defects may happen due to any number of reasons. A malfunction in the machine parts, lack of refinement of the raw materials, contamination due to improper hygiene or safety protocol, etc. Most manufacturing floors today provide workers with safety equipment from trusted vendors (such as unigloves.co.uk), conduct regular maintenance on machinery, and source raw materials from certified and established suppliers. However, quality control is the added layer of protection that kicks in when any of the above factors cause a defective product.
There are various strategies that different manufacturers can adopt to ensure quality control. For instance, those in the food and beverage industry can utilize equipment such as advanced metal detectors and X-ray inspection systems to identify foreign contaminants and ensure product safety. Similarly, pharmaceutical companies can use quality wire mesh (see more here) and high-precision sieves to guarantee the purity and consistency of their products during manufacturing.
The repercussions of product defects can be substantial on multiple fronts. When customers receive defective products, a cascade of negative consequences can unfold. In fortunate cases, these defects are identified upon receipt, limiting the extent of the damage to rejection, return, and replacement.
To preempt such scenarios, many manufacturers prioritize the use of high-quality equipment within their production facilities. For example, if a factory’s operations involve precision cutting of materials that come in varying sizes to meet diverse business needs, one option that manufacturers can consider is to build plasma table. This tool aids in ensuring the accuracy and precision of cuts. Likewise, for machines incorporating automation, the integration of sensors and cameras facilitates the detection of anomalies or errors, allowing for swift corrective action. Furthermore, investments in quality assurance systems enable comprehensive product inspections to identify and rectify defects before shipping.
Manufacturers who fail to proactively prevent these situations risk substantial customer losses. Furthermore, in cases where defective products result in significant financial losses, injuries, or fatalities, the costs associated with litigation (not to mention the human toll) can be sufficient to jeopardize the existence of even a sizable manufacturing entity.
On the flip side, high quality standards help build a company’s reputation for quality; attract prospects; generate referrals; earn reorders; enable the company to set higher prices; and push competitors into other markets and products niches. This is why QC should be every employee’s favorite department. To learn more about quality control and how to improve it in your organization, please continue reading.