“It may sound like an older version of the iPhone,” writes Dean Marsman in Quality, “but it’s actually a very simple and helpful system that can make the fundamentals of lean manufacturing even clearer to both business owners and employees.”
Sometimes adopting lean manufacturing means adding more people to a process. Eric Ethington, a lean product and process development coach, previously worked in the auto supply business. In a pump assembly product line, the typical cell had six operators.
When dealing with medical problems, the medical device should not add to these problems. Medical device manufacturing requires the highest quality—and industry takes no chances with this. Regulations are de rigueur. The need for quality of a bone screw should be obvious, and the same goes for any medical device.
The ASQ Inspection Division Conference brought quality professionals to Louisville this week to learn more about measurement in the digital age. Keynotes by Mahr and Google provided a closer look at today’s quality challenges.
The truck was already loaded and ready to be delivered to an important customer when a quality issue came to light. When the operations leader found out about the problem, he quickly arranged a solution.
Gabriel Hughes was once asked to calibrate a 2x4 at a previous job. While this may sound strange, the customer sent it in to have the precise dimensions calibrated. The wood was used to keep a door closed at a certain height, which they needed to monitor because of airflow.
No one wants to spend time making scrap, and automation is one way to avoid or at least minimize quality issues. Rather than spending time making products that aren’t up to specification, operators will make good parts and catch quality issues earlier.
A good day on the shop floor has everything running smoothly. No issues with machines, staff, or suppliers, and products are shipped on time and without defects.