How do you implement industry-standard quality control?

1 Define quality objectives and criteria

The first step in implementing quality control is to define what quality means for your product and how you will measure it. You need to identify the quality objectives and criteria that are relevant to your customer's needs, expectations, and satisfaction, as well as the regulatory and legal requirements of your industry. You also need to establish the acceptable range of variation and tolerance for each quality attribute, such as dimensions, functionality, performance, durability, and safety.

2 Design quality control plan and procedures

The next step is to design a quality control plan and procedures that outline how you will achieve and maintain the quality objectives and criteria. The plan should include the roles and responsibilities of the quality control team, the resources and tools needed, the methods and frequency of testing and inspection, the documentation and records to be kept, and the corrective and preventive actions to be taken in case of nonconformance. The procedures should describe the specific steps and instructions for performing the quality control activities, such as sampling, measuring, analyzing, reporting, and resolving issues.

3 Implement quality control activities

The third step is to implement the quality control activities according to the plan and procedures. You need to ensure that the quality control team is trained and qualified to perform the tasks, that the equipment and instruments are calibrated and verified, that the samples and data are collected and stored properly, and that the results are recorded and communicated clearly. You also need to monitor and control the quality control process, making sure that it is consistent, efficient, and effective.

4 Evaluate quality control results and performance

The fourth step is to evaluate the quality control results and performance, comparing them with the quality objectives and criteria. You need to analyze the data and identify any trends, patterns, or anomalies that indicate the level of quality and the sources of variation or error. You also need to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the quality control activities, measuring the cost, time, and resources involved, as well as the customer feedback and satisfaction.

5 Improve quality control process and product

The final step is to improve the quality control process and product, based on the evaluation and feedback. You need to identify and implement any corrective and preventive actions that can eliminate or reduce the causes of nonconformance, such as reworking, repairing, replacing, or recalling defective products, or changing the design, materials, methods, or standards. You also need to seek any opportunities for continuous improvement, such as adopting best practices, applying new technologies, or enhancing skills and knowledge.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?