
Quality control is a phrase that simply means effectively monitoring your products, equipment, and parts, so you can proactively avoid mistakes. Although it’s not always possible, preventing errors is much easier than fixing the problems they create. Make sure your industrial instrumentation parts and supplies are impeccably organized and preventative maintenance processes are reviewed and in place. Regardless of what kind of equipment you’re monitoring, quality control is the best way to make sure you have fewer mistakes to fix while upholding productivity and quality work.
1. Define Your Standards
You can’t have a good quality control process if you don’t clearly define your quality standards. Important questions to ask yourself include how many defects you are willing to allow and which steps in the process you want to optimize. Make sure you are constantly trying to find ways to improve your quality control process. Each step might need different improvements in different areas, so make sure to give attention to these steps when needed.
2. Train Employees
A strong quality control process is pointless without properly trained employees. Not just the quality control officer will need education. This helps employees watch for red flags or broken equipment. Additionally, cross-trained employees can look at the quality control process and their own work process and use both to creative ideas for increasing efficiency and quality control. They will feel more empowered and valuable to your business, which may improve their work and reduce errors.
3. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate, or forget about, the power of technology for your QC process and overall efficiency. Gathering data is an absolute must for your QC process. Investing in technology, like real-time sensors or tracking devices, will save you so much time in the long run and will immediately alert you to any problems.
You can also go as far as completely automating a QC process so that human intervention isn’t even needed to fix problems that arise. Though a big investment, technology can improve efficiency and work quality. It’s all about finding what product works for your process.
4. Make a Plan
Quality control should not be an afterthought. If you make a plan to keep your workspace clean and even plan to do unscheduled maintenance checks, then you are setting yourself up for success. You also will keep your workspace running more efficiently. Consider documenting some cleaning procedures for your facility because if you don’t, your expectations may not be met. Set clear standards and a clear plan so you and your employees know what to expect and you know your machines will be well kept.
The “Pick Up As You Go” method is a great way to ensure that employees are keeping their workspace in good shape. Cleaning up expected and unexpected messes like spills right away can decrease workplace injury and prevent accidents.
The Del Rio Company has the expertise and ability to provide the quality equipment you need quickly, improving your operations and productivity. We proudly represent a wide array of equipment and parts from a variety of high-quality vendors. See our list of partners and call us for direct support in finding the equipment or parts you need.