Quality control: Tools and techniques to guarantee high-level products and services

Introduction

In today’s highly competitive world, where excellence and customer satisfaction are imperative, quality control is a fundamental pillar to ensure the delivery of high-level products and services. In this context, the tools used play an important role in organizations by allowing them to identify, evaluate and correct possible defects or inconsistencies in their products and services.

Quality control tools and techniques cover a wide variety of approaches, from classical statistical methods to innovative solutions based on digital technology. They not only detect problems, but also help prevent them, resulting in greater efficiency and reduced costs associated with repairs or rejects.

In addition, the proper use of these methodologies can lead to continuous improvement and optimization of processes, which in turn translates into greater competitiveness in the market. Quality control extends across various industries, from manufacturing to technology and services, with the common goal of achieving higher standards.

In this context, the various tools and techniques used in quality control are presented below, highlighting their importance in creating products and services that not only meet, but exceed customer expectations.

Management in quality control

Quality management is a fundamental pillar to guarantee high-level products and services. It is based on planning, control and continuous improvement of production processes and service provision. Some key tools used include:

• Ishikawa Diagram (Fishbone or Cause-Effect Diagram): This tool helps to identify and visualize the possible causes of a specific problem, allowing to address the roots of the problem and prevent its recurrence.
• Flowchart: It is useful to visually map the steps of a process, which makes it easier to identify areas for improvement and possible inefficiencies.
• Pareto Diagram: This is another analysis tool that specializes in finding and making decisions according to the level of priority they have. It is displayed in a bar chart format that represents the factors in an ordered fashion.
• Stratification analysis: Stratification analysis helps quality managers divide various factors, such as objects, data, and people, into distinct groups to determine tell-tale patterns that are not visible when those factors are grouped together. It is used when the data comes from different sources and the analysis may require the classification of these sources. It can be presented in combination with other data analysis tools to identify circumstances that could affect the quality of delivery.
• Check Sheets: Used to collect data and track key metrics, providing an objective view of process performance.
• Histogram: It is especially useful to analyze the pattern of behavior in a process of a certain phenomenon, to calculate its frequency. As it is a graph, it is easier to discover patterns that would otherwise be more difficult to see. It cannot be applied to qualities or characteristics, but to quantifiable variables.

Research and Development (R&D)

Investment in research and development is essential to maintain competitiveness and offer innovative and high-quality products. Some effective techniques used in R&D are:

• Concurrent Design: Involves collaboration between design teams, production teams, and other key players from the earliest stages of product development. This speeds up the innovation process and ensures that customer needs are integrated from the start.
• Rapid Prototyping: Allows you to quickly build and evaluate initial models of the product. This helps detect potential problems early in the process and make adjustments before full-scale production.
• FMEA Analysis (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis): It is a technique that identifies and prioritizes possible failures in a product or process to prevent them or mitigate their consequences.

Talent management and training

Human resources are an invaluable asset in the delivery of quality products and services. Some tools and techniques to optimize talent management are:

• Training and Continuing Education: Providing learning and professional development opportunities for employees improves their skills and knowledge, which directly impacts the quality of the work performed.
• Performance Evaluations: Carrying out periodic performance evaluations helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement in employee performance, which makes it possible to provide constructive feedback and adjust the assignment of tasks.

Technology and automation

The strategic use of automation technologies is essential to guarantee the quality and efficiency of products and services. Some relevant options are:

• Automated Quality Control: The use of sensors and automated systems to monitor the quality of the product or service in real time helps to detect problems quickly and accurately.
• Supply Chain Management: Using supply chain software optimizes the flow of materials and products, reducing the risk of delivery failures.

Conclusion

Guaranteeing high-level products and services is a commitment that requires the application of various tools and techniques. Quality management, innovation through research and development of talent and technology play a considerable role in this process. Companies that prioritize quality and continuous improvement will stand out in the market and maintain customer loyalty over time.

Bibliographic references

1. BANTU GROUP. 6 essential tools for process improvement. Consulted on July 13, 2023; https://www.bantugroup.com/blog/essential-tools-for-improvement-of-processes
2. BIND. What are the 7 basic tools for quality? Consulted on July 14, 2023. https://mexico.unir.net/ingenieria/noticias/herramientas-calidad/
3. SAFETY CULTURE. Quality management tools; Consulted on July 15, 2023; https://safetyculture.com/en/themes/quality-management-tools/