QM BenchQuality engineering tools

Management system

Departments pull in different directions: which quality tools to use

Production, quality and logistics have conflicting targets.

Start with

Management reviewFree tool

Common objectives and resources from top management.

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SIPOCFree tool

Show how departments are each other’s suppliers and customers.

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Supporting methods

Value stream mapping

One picture of the whole flow.

A3 reportFree tool

One page per cross-functional problem.

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First steps

  1. Map the process across departments.
  2. Agree shared KPIs.
  3. Review them together monthly.

How to measure success

Shared KPI results. Record the value before you start, so the effect of every action can be shown.

When these methods are the wrong choice

  • Management review: Daily operational problems.
  • SIPOC: Detailed analysis inside one step.
  • Value stream mapping: A problem at one machine.
  • A3 report: Formal customer complaints that require an 8D form.

The methods in one line

MethodWhat it is
Management reviewTop management reviews the QMS results, risks and resources and decides actions.
SIPOCDefines the process scope: suppliers, inputs, process, outputs and customers.
Value stream mappingMaps material and information flow end to end and shows waiting, inventory and lead time.
A3 reportOne-page PDCA story: background, current state, root cause, countermeasures, follow-up.

Other problems in Management system

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