Page 104 - DMGT206_PRODUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_MANAGEMENT

Unit 5: Quality Management

5.5 Quality Management Function Notes

Usually, quality control is a staff function independent of production. It is given the responsibility
to ensure that the product meets the design specifications, which reflect the requirements of the
customers, i.e., minimize the difference between the Design quality and the Conformance quality.
The quality management process is judged by the degree to which the product or service design
specifications are met. The department’s ability to adhere to quality standards is based on two
methods:

(a) Sampling inspection and
(b) Statistical quality control charts.
In the case of inspection, decisions have to be taken:
 Where to Inspect?
 How much to Inspect? and

 How to control inspection costs?
Where to Inspect?

Essential types of inspection include:

(a) Receiving/Incoming Inspection;
(b) In-process inspection;
(c) Final Inspection; and
(d) Equipment and Tooling Inspection.

Incoming Inspection

 Incoming raw material and components are normally inspected at the manufacturer’s
premise on arrival.
 This inspection not only weeds out material with defects but also determines vendor
quality levels.
 Problems often occur due to procuring from less expensive sources. Though high-quality
materials are easier to work with than low-quality materials, they often result in a labour
savings; this is often overlooked.
Incoming inspection is important to all organizations, but is especially important to organizations
that procure a high percentage of their components or parts from outside the firm or consume
natural raw materials. There is a trend today for buyers to require vendor certification. This
reduces the burden on incoming inspection. In essence, certification makes the vendor a part of
the company team as a link in the supply chain.

In-process Inspection

 The inspection of work in-process prevents the continuing production of excessive amounts
of defective products.

 Traditional in-process inspection consists of spot checking product quality during
processing and 100 per cent inspection of lots at critical points.
 It also involves inspection of the first few pieces of a product-run for a given machine.

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