Quality Is More Than Making a Good Product

Tzvika Baram

Shekel COO

October 2024

In today’s fast-paced market, the importance of quality in products and services cannot be overstated. For Shekel, a company renowned for its innovative weighing solutions and measurement technology, maintaining high standards is not just a goal but a commitment ingrained in its culture. Through rigorous quality control processes and a proactive approach to quality assurance, Shekel continues to set the benchmark for excellence in its industry.

Quality Control Processes and Standards

At the core of Shekel’s commitment to quality is a comprehensive quality control system designed to monitor and evaluate every aspect of production. This system is built upon international standards, such as ISO9001, ISO13485, and ISO17025, which outline a framework for quality management systems.

1. Rigorous Testing and Inspection: Each product undergoes tests and inspections at various stages of the product life cycle, from the design to the NPI and mass production. This includes Verification and Validation (V&V) at the design stage, material inspections, functional testing, and performance evaluations to ensure that every product meets Shekel’s high standards before it reaches the market.
2. Traceability: Shekel employs a robust traceability methodology, allowing for tracking materials and components throughout the production process. This ensures that potential issues can be quickly identified and addressed, minimizing the risk of defects in the final product.
3. Continuous Monitoring and improvement: Quality assurance does not end once a product is manufactured. Shekel implements continuous monitoring of its products in the field, gathering data on performance and reliability. This feedback loop is critical for making informed improvements and adjustments to product design and production methods.
4. Employee Training and Engagement: Shekel recognizes that quality is a collective responsibility. The company invests in regular employee training programs, ensuring every team member understands their role in maintaining quality standards. Engaging employees in quality initiatives fosters a culture of excellence and accountability.

The Role of Quality Assurance

Quality assurance (QA) plays a vital role in Shekel’s operations, safeguarding the highest standards for products and services. QA encompasses a range of activities to prevent defects and ensure that products consistently meet customer expectations. The key functions of Shekel’s QA program include:

• Process Evaluation: Shekel regularly evaluates its manufacturing processes to identify areas for improvement. The company can streamline operations and enhance product quality by analyzing workflow, equipment performance, and employee input.
• Documentation and Standardization: Establishing clear documentation for processes and procedures is essential for maintaining quality standards. Shekel emphasizes the importance of standardization to ensure consistency and reliability across all products and services.
• Customer Feedback Integration: Listening to customers is crucial for quality assurance. Shekel actively seeks feedback from its clients to understand their needs and expectations. This feedback is integrated into the QA process, allowing for continuous product design and functionality improvements.

Quality Improvement Initiatives and Their Impact

Shekel is committed to continuous improvement, and several initiatives have been implemented to enhance quality over the years:

1. Lean Manufacturing Practices: By adopting lean manufacturing principles, Shekel has reduced waste and increased efficiency in its production processes. This initiative has lowered costs and improved product quality by streamlining operations.
2. Advanced Technology Integration: Shekel has invested in cutting-edge technology, such as automated testing systems and real-time monitoring tools. These technologies have significantly enhanced the accuracy and reliability of quality assessments, leading to higher-quality products.
3. Employee Empowerment Programs: Shekel encourages employee involvement in quality initiatives through empowerment programs. Employees are given the tools and authority to identify and address quality issues, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for product excellence.

Impact of Quality Improvement Initiatives

The impact of these quality improvement initiatives is evident in Shekel’s market performance and customer satisfaction. By prioritizing quality, Shekel has experienced:

• Customer Loyalty: High-quality products lead to greater customer satisfaction and loyalty. Shekel’s commitment to excellence has established a strong reputation in the industry, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
• Reduced Return Rates: With enhanced quality control and assurance measures, Shekel has significantly reduced product returns and defects. This not only saves costs associated with returns but also reinforces customer trust.
• Enhanced Market Position: Shekel’s dedication to quality has solidified its position as a weighing and measurement industry leader. Customers recognize the brand's reliability and innovation, leading to increased market share and competitive advantage.

Summary,

Shekel’s commitment to quality is a fundamental aspect of its business philosophy. Shekel meets and exceeds industry standards through stringent quality control processes, robust quality assurance practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.

As the company continues to innovate and evolve, its unwavering dedication to excellence will ensure that it remains a trusted name in the market, delivering high-quality products and services that meet the ever-changing needs of its customers

About Shekel

Founded in 1971, Shekel has pioneered the weighing technology industry, boasting a global presence and a roster of blue-chip clients. Serving the highly regulated retail and healthcare markets, Shekel offers cutting-edge solutions that redefine accuracy and efficiency. For over 30 years, Shekel has ensured seamless grocery retail check-out experiences, securing over a million check-out points for the world’s largest supermarket operators. Since 2018, Shekel has leveraged AI and machine learning to transform traditional load cells into IoT sensors capable of recognizing grocery products by their weight behavior. This innovation powers a range of Smart Check-Out solutions, including Smart Carts, Smart Trays, and Smart Fridges. Shekel is recognized as a top-tier provider of innovative technology, robust products, and exceptional services. For more information, visit www.shekel.ai.

About The Author

Mr. Tzvika Baram, Chief Operation Officer at Shekel Scales, is a relentless operational executive with extensive experience and a proven track record of transforming technological innovations into profitable business success.

Contact – Tzvika Baram, linkedin.com/in/tzvikabaram