How Quality Perfomance is Measured in Production Management

In every industry, producing quality products or services is necessary for generating satisfactory profits. In production management, it's important to continually monitor quality performance standards to ensure customer retention and allow for the possibility of expansion in the future. To do this properly, you must be equal parts detective and problem solver. It is your responsibility to discover how to streamline processes, reduce errors and waste and raise overall quality so that a higher percentage of your product gets to market, where it can increase your company's bottom line. Decide what issue to target, devise a plan and measure its impact.

Step 1Narrow your focus. Pinpoint exactly what production quality issue or issues require improvement in order to move your organization to the next level. Let's say your company produces landing gear components for the airline industry. Business is going well, but you would like to increase profits by reducing the number of faulty or inoperable components that are rejected post-production. These faulty components can't be sold, and if they are distributed, they generate customer complaints which must be addressed. You decide to direct your efforts to improving this situation.

Step 2Determine what factors contribute to the amount of defective parts being generated from the production line. Look at the age of your processing equipment, the skills of your workers, your quality control procedures and what new technological innovations are currently available that may reduce manufacturing errors. Are substandard raw materials to blame for some of the problems? These are examples of things that can be updated, and then tracked, to gauge whether production quality improves, remains the same or declines after your changes are implemented. Use charts, spreadsheets, reports or other tools to assist you.

Step 3Review the results over the next 30 days. Use the information collected to judge whether production standards have improved and how well the new system is working. Evaluate production reports at the same time every month. Track the number of defective parts that are rejected, the amount of customer complaints, and if a larger number of usable components is translating into higher profit margins. Make adjustments as necessary to the production process to keep quality standards high and company goals on course. Remember to always praise and reward the production team for a job well done. by Genae Valecia Hinesman

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