World Quality Week is coming up next month, so I have asked some of our leaders to share their insights as we prepare to focus on this value. Read more below from Scott Ranaldi, Quality Director, and Lisset Lopez, Lean Director.

Views on Quality

Quality has many angles from which it is seen. In our line of work, it is mostly viewed as a standard of measurements and processes. It is also seen as a degree of excellence in how we perform our tasks. The most important view is when we see quality as a distinctive characteristic in ourselves and others around us. If we know and use the quality standards to the best of our abilities, we will continuously strengthen our quality characteristics.

The Relationship between Quality and Continuous Improvement

The two are related but are not the same. Continuous improvement is about making small, incremental improvements to a standard that over time add up to big results. Its goal is focused on eliminating waste to reduce costs and improve productivity. It’s through these improvements that we attain better quality. 

The PDCA cycle is a tool that can help you improve your products, services, and organizational processes. It is a four-staged, structured approach for continuous improvement. As you run through iterations of the PDCA cycle, you get closer to the desired target, thereby improving quality. How does it work? (Refer to the diagram below)

During the Plan stage, goals and targets are determined, analyzed and potential solutions are identified. Defining how to measure progress of the defined targets also occurs in this stage.

The Do stage is where you test your newfound improvement by implementing it.

In the Check stage, you validate the plan. Performance is assessed to determine if the goals and objectives set have been met.

What occurs in the Act stage is dependent upon the results obtained in the check stage. If the results are favorable, you now have a new standard that needs to be sustained. If the results fall short, you need to understand why. This will lead to running through another iteration of the PDCA cycle.

As an organization, we are dedicated to a high level of quality by using established standards and embracing continuous improvement. Join us in celebrating our dedication to quality during World Quality Week (coming November 6th through 10th).

Some ideas to celebrate:

• Share your personal reflection for “what quality means to me” …

• Host a Quality Focused Toolbox Talk …

• Recognize team members for their attention to quality with spot awards …

• Review the Monthly Quality Report (coming on Thursday, November 9th) …

Thank you for your commitment to Quality!