You work with a supplier based in China. You believe they can do a good job if you manage them appropriately. But you can see you are taking a risk in working with them (the maturity of their management systems, their recent performance, … [Read more...]
Process Engineering: Limitations of Most Chinese Suppliers
Recently we were discussing a project with a client whose engineers have been struggling with some key mechanical elements, due (in part) to a lack of precision of those elements. What happened? They have been requesting samples from … [Read more...]
What Is the APQP? (Advanced Product Quality Planning Process)
The APQP, or Advanced Product Quality Planning, is a proven approach for developing a new product to be made in high volume and under strict quality, timing, and cost requirements. It was developed by the North American automotive … [Read more...]
Understanding The Role Of Manufacturing Process Control In Your Factory
Turning raw materials and components into a finished product can be a complex process. It usually requires more steps than a layperson would think of. And, if the manufacturer does not set up appropriate controls along these process steps, … [Read more...]
What Manufacturing KPIs Show if a QMS is Performing Effectively?
Many factories are proud of their ISO 9001/ISO 13485 certificate, but a look at their quality management system (QMS) and manufacturing KPIs reveals serious issues. I wrote before about how some companies get certified with a very poorly … [Read more...]
Process FMEA: Template, Use Cases, and Examples
The Process FMEA is so useful... and so poorly conducted a lot of the time. There is an art to it, just like there is an art to conducting a solid root cause analysis. It seems to be quite a difficult and unnatural exercise for most … [Read more...]
Manufacturing Organizational Chart: Top 7 Common Mistakes To Avoid
One of the first things we look at, during factory audits, is the supplier’s manufacturing organizational chart. And it often points to serious operational dysfunctions. Here are the top 7 common mistakes that you don’t want to see your … [Read more...]
Inspecting Productions with Very Few Defects: Dump the AQL
The topic of "do we really need to send inspectors to check productions" and "does that whole AQL concept even make sense" are frequently raised. In this article, I want to write about what it takes to get to a very low rate of defective … [Read more...]
QMS Implementation Consultant vs. Certifying Body
I realized that many people are confused about the companies that typically get involved when a factory wants to get its quality management system (QMS) certified to ISO 9001 or ISO 13485. Let's break it down into the logical steps to … [Read more...]
Vietnam VS China Manufacturers & Digitizing Processes In The Factory [Podcast]
In This Episode... Renaud interviews Greg Fleming, an experienced merchandising and manufacturing operations manager who went from New Zealand to Australia to China and finally is now based in Ho Chi Minh City in South Vietnam. Greg's … [Read more...]
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