Quality control

Quality Control

  • Quality control is an essential aspect of operational management that aims to ensure the products or services provided by a company meet the set standards.
  • This process conducts an inspection of products or services during and after production. It provides assurance that the output meets the quality expectation and is fit for use.
  • Quality control helps a firm reduce defective or poor-quality products thereby minimising wastage and cost.

Quality Control Methods

  • The inspection method ensures products or services are checked for quality during various stages of production. This approach can help prevent defects from moving to the next phase, reducing overall faults.
  • In statistical quality control technique, samples are taken from a production lot and tested for quality. This testing makes sure that all the items produced are of the same consistent quality.
  • Acceptance Sampling involves selecting a random sample of items from a lot. This sample is tested, and if it passes the test, the entire lot is accepted.

Benefits of Quality Control

  • Maintaining a high level of quality control ensures that customers are satisfied with the products or services, leading to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
  • It also enhances the company’s reputation and increases its market share.
  • Quality control can help a company reduce costs associated with reworking, wastage, and returns due to defective products.

Challenges of Quality Control

  • One limitation of quality control is the added costs and time it can add to the manufacturing process.
  • It also requires skilled labour for the inspection and testing of products.
  • Failure to maintain a consistent level of quality control can lead to a significant loss of reputation and customer trust.

Continuous Quality Improvement

  • Continuous quality improvement is a concept in which quality control measures are not only implemented but consistently upgraded.
  • The goal is to ensure the highest possible standard of quality. This can be achieved through regular review of operational procedures, employee training, and implementing new technologies.
  • Continuous improvement aims for ‘zero defects’, promoting a culture of excellence within the business.