Importance of Quality

My observations and a bit of a rant.

I worked in Quality Control several times over the years and I retired from a position of Quality Control Manager of a national window company. The average consumer knows little about the inner workings of a great window, but they do know what’s important about their windows. Consumers are also the final judge of a window company’s long-term acceptance in the marketplace and therefore their financial health.

In those last few years, I saw trends in manufacturing business models change in unhealthy ways. The implementation of “Lean Manufacturing” was the key culprit. The key concept was to eliminate mistakes in manufacturing.

From the supply lines to the financials and everything between, all were picked apart. I believe the most damaging changes implemented were in materials purchasing. The new rules mandated minim materials and maximum speed. The problems I saw in this area are best described by these examples.

Metal and Vinyl Purchasing.

A long-term practice of large blanket orders, based on one year’s usage, were eliminated in favor of minimum purchases based on weekly needs.

The prices of these material nearly doubled but retail prices did not. Delivery times increased and customer became upset and often cancelled orders. The consumer complain pipeline became flooded and in response, that department was eliminated, and customer complaints were ignored.

This was my experience, and it does not speak of most manufacturing companies only some.

Yes, I know this is a rant drawn from my previous experience and I’m retired for 4 years now. So, does it matter anymore? To some, it should. After all, we control the quality of our work no matter what or where this is.

I am ecstatic to be a premium member of Wealthy Affiliate, a Quality outfit that really is a leader, and innovator, and the best place this retired quality managers has ever been privileged to be part of.

Love You All fellow members,

Dave