Holistic Methodological Model for Introducing Industrial Quality Management Methods to Manufacturing in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Abstract

In the past, management decisions in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to introduce new QM-Methods were often based on external influences such as customer demands or regulatory requirements. Furthermore, quality control loops to ensure that the introduced QM-Method is effective were not installed. Hence, no methodology was made available to SMEs to support management with the selection, the introduction and the effectiveness evaluation of industrial QM-Methods. The Holistic Methodological Model for introducing QM-Methods is based on the Deming Circle. It encompasses three modules: a Maturity Level Module to analyze the needs of manufacturing in an SME regarding QM; a Level-oriented Introduction Module to simplify complex QM-Methods so that the inhibitions by the workforce can largely be reduced and an Effectiveness Module to continuously evaluate the economic aspects of the QM-Method. These modules can be applied throughout the lifecycle of industrial QM-Methods.