4E QA, QC & TQM Flashcards
Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Total Quality Management
What is quality assurance?
An overarching quality management system across the whole organisation that ensures manufactured products are guaranteed to be of the correct standard as defined in a specification - assured at every stage of designing and manufacturing
Who sets the standards for QA systems?
BSI: companies that wish to register for approved status from the BSI must provide documented evidence for their quality system - regular inspections are made by the BSI to ensure that standards are being maintained
Benefits of implementing a QA system
- improvements in quality/product reliability
- better brand reputation
- higher levels on customer satisfaction
- prevents wastage from faulty/substandard work
What is quality control?
An aspect of quality assurance which involves systematically checking that products meet the required standard, consistency and accuracy and matches the specification
How are quality control checks done?
The checks are made by testing samples of the manufactured product at Critical Control Points during the production schedule, aiming to eliminate faults or identify any errors made during prod. - can be using machinery/labour, to analyse the samples as well
Defects can include: sewing/construction/colour variations/ sizing/garment details - trims/fastenings/loose or pulled threads/fabric staining OR flaws within the machinery/work
Aspects that are checked during QC
- seam tolerances
- stitch tension
- colour matching
- placements (e.g. pockets/buttons)
- overall quality of materials
Tolerance
Level of accuracy: stated in the specification and allows manufacturers to know how accurate components need to be fitted together (seam allowance - range)
What is total quality management?
A proactive approach followed by management and employees to ensure long-term customer satisfaction and loyalty
Features of TQM
- involves the responsibility of everyone in the workplace and every aspect of the business
- aims to increase future business as customer quality expectations are met, so customers are then confident to repeat purchases
