Meaning of Quality Management 2

The quality management control loop

As already learned, great value is placed in quality management on continuously improving the processes. The experiences that are made are once again incorporated into the planning, so that a control loop is created.

• Quality planning – an actual state is determined here. In addition, the framework conditions for quality management are defined, after which the concepts and processes are then worked out.
• Quality control – this is the planning phase in which the results obtained are implemented.
• Quality assurance – here the qualitative and quantitative quality information is evaluated (cost-benefit analysis, review of the assumptions made).
• Quality gain – the information gained from the previous phase is used for structural improvement measures and process optimization. The successes and results are communicated.

Quality tools

According to Sciencedict, there are many different procedures and approaches within quality management. Since the various standards cover many areas, the tools that can be used for this purpose are correspondingly broad.

The focus is often on such an approach, which begins with the search for errors. It takes a look at the origin of errors, collects them and adds other relevant data, for example statistics on the frequency of errors of the same type.

The structured detection and recording of errors and their sources is the starting point for further measures. An error analysis now follows, which can be shown graphically, for example, with a correlation diagram. Once the errors have been analyzed on the basis of the data collected, the subjective section now follows. The results are discussed in discussion groups and brainstorming sessions in order to reduce the errors found as much as possible and to eliminate their sources. A diagram in which the respective cause is graphically linked with effects can be helpful in this context. This shows what relationships exist and what effects sources of error can lead to.

The models and standards of quality management

There are a number of quality management standards that are used as a framework or as a mandatory specification for the establishment of a quality management system. The various quality standards show major regional and industry-specific differences. In particular, the Asian and Anglo-Saxon manufacturers, who come from the industry, have introduced the quality management methods.

The two best-known quality management models are the EFQM model and ISO 9001, both of which have overlaps in process orientation.

The EFQM model is oriented towards Europe and also enables a certificate by an auditor, such as the ISO. In contrast to ISO 9001, this is a competitive model that is not based on the fulfillment of specifications, but rather aims at self-responsibility in the assessment. The central concern of the EFQM model is continuous improvement, which is to be achieved through innovation and learning in all parts of the company and in cooperation with other users of the model. Here, the world’s best implementations are continuously oriented, so that it is never possible for a company to achieve the maximum number of points. Compared to ISO 9001, this is a much greater challenge and motivation to strive for further improvements.

Who benefits from quality management in the company?

The company itself:

• The internal processes are becoming more transparent.
• Interfaces and responsibilities can be determined.
• Avoiding errors avoids costs.
• The customer satisfaction is growing.
• There is permanent improvement.
• The quality awareness of the employees is heightened.

The employees:

• You get better working conditions through clear structures and responsibilities.
• Personal responsibility is encouraged.
• Jobs are secured by increasing quality.
• Internal communication is improved.
• The motivation of the employees is increased.

The customers:

• You will receive a neutral international proof of quality capability.
• Traceability of results and data
• Long-term customer loyalty through compliance with quality standards

Conclusion

Quality management sounds abstract and theoretical. In practice, companies from a wide variety of industries can use the underlying techniques and methods perfectly adapted to their own needs. The theoretical background information is an important basis, the practical implementation of these measures varies from person to person. At the same time, regulated standards such as ISO certifications can be extremely important, especially for larger companies – and last but not least, their suppliers.

Quality management in practice means questioning the processes in the company in a structured manner, recognizing errors, learning from them and thus continuously improving the entire company. Ultimately, this is exactly what benefits customers and employees.