Manufacture Smarter Blog

2/10/2023 - BY: BOB JENKINS
In my last blog, we discussed the importance of being a proficient problem solver in your quality role. So, after learning the problem-solving process and exercising it to effectiveness, stop and ask yourself, “What else makes me the most effective in my role?” That’s an easy one…

1/20/2023 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
As 2022 was ending, I reflected on our end-of-year celebrations and realized they have a great deal in common with how organizations prepare and conduct internal, quality management audits.

12/9/2022 - BY: BOB JENKINS
When it comes to working in the quality industry, a wise man once told me, “In quality, we don’t have jobs. It’s our responsibility to help everyone else around us do better.” Over the years, I have found that to be incredibly true. So, we must ask ourselves, if we are to be successful in the function of quality, what is important for us to understand and what skills do we need?

11/4/2022 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
Since its first publication in 1987, the International Standard for Quality Management Systems known as “ISO 9000” has been plagued by many myths. As with all mythology, there are narratives and beliefs which have become almost foundational to the implementation of the ISO 9001 requirements. Like classical myths, those associated with ISO 9001 frequently become rituals which are implemented in the organization’s Quality Management System and become sacrosanct.

10/21/2022 - BY: STEVE VAMPLEW
One of the many services we provide at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center) is conducting internal audits on our client’s Quality Management System (QMS) or Environmental Management System (EMS). In today’s manufacturing climate, where labor shortages abound, we are being called upon more than ever to perform these internal audits.

6/17/2022 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
In manufacturing, we must measure or test the products we make because there is variation in the results and we don’t want to exceed the specification which would result in additional costs, time lost and possibly customer dissatisfaction.

4/15/2022 - BY: SHAUN LEAHEY
Nearly every Quality Manager or Plant Manager has had this situation come up: The phone is ringing and it’s the customer. You instantly get a sinking feeling in your stomach, thinking, here comes a complaint. On the rare occasion there isn’t a problem, you take advantage of strengthening your relationship with the person on the other end of the conversation. But often, you’ll begin the conversation listening to what problem the customer is experiencing and how you can help. Your new priority is to begin problem solving, starting with assembling a team. Wait, we’re supposed to use a problem-solving team? Who’s on the team?

4/1/2022 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
At first sight, this may seem to be a crazy question. I hear you say, “Seriously? Calibrate Internal Quality Auditors?” or “Where does the calibration sticker go?” Internal Management System Auditors can be “testing” the Quality Management System (QMS) and could be considered as items of testing equipment. Their brief, in the widest possible terms, is to inspect or evaluate the QMS for compliance and effectiveness.

2/4/2022 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
Dr. Joy Browne hosted the longest-running call-in therapy radio shows in America. Listening to her radio shows taught me a lot about why Quality Management Systems Internal Audit programs and Corrective Actions fail. It’s often about peoples’ relationships.

1/7/2022 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
Since ISO 9001 appeared on the manufacturing scene in 1987, organizations have been vexed by the need to control two fundamental elements of the Quality Management System: Documentation Controls and Measuring Equipment Controls.