The term “quality control” is often used loosely and means different things to different people. The resource, we are glad to report, goes to the trouble of defining quality control and distinguishing it from quality assurance, another important discipline in manufacturing. The essence of quality control is its focus on preventing defective products from reaching the customer. For companies that manufacture products of any kind, there is a direct link between quality control and the number of units sold. Well-made and consistent products boost revenues, while product defects drive existing customers and prospects into the eager arms of competitors.
The cost of product defects is high on a host of fronts. If customers receive defective products, a lot of bad things can happen. If the manufacturer is lucky, the defects will be identified on the receiving dock, in which case the costs may be “limited” to a rejection, return and replacement.
These situations are costly enough but still pale in comparison to the cost of having a bad product not be identified quickly and, instead, used by the customer. If the product causes severe monetary losses, injury or death, the cost of litigation could be enough to put even a large manufacturing organization out of business.
The accompanying resource presents a highly focused overview of QC that may be helpful for startups in manufacturing, converting, and fabrication, as well as personnel in manufacturing organizations who may not realize how important QC is to the success of their companies — and perhaps to their careers. To learn more about quality control and how to improve it in your organization, please continue reading.
Quality Control in Manufacturing by Marotta Controls