Continuous Improvement Of Product Quality Research Articles

Current tendencies in the forming of quality management systems

The article highlights the peculiarities of the formation of modern quality management systems. The need to solve problems related to the development and implementation of highly effective product quality management systems, taking into account the features of European integration, is emphasized. The stages of development of systematic quality management, which, according to the laws of dialectics, evolved under the pressure of contradictions of internal and external goals of product manufacturers are systematized: the stage of rejecting products, quality management, the stage of continuous improvement of product quality, the stage of forecasting and planning the quality of production processes and the products themselves. The advantages and disadvantages of modern trends in the formation of quality management systems are determined. The current state of certification of quality systems of domestic enterprises compared to the dynamics of similar indicators of Polish enterprises is characterized. The importance of developing the documentation necessary for the formation of a quality management system is emphasized; it contains clear and generally understood provisions of tasks in the field of quality; quality guidelines; quality programs; methods of compliance with DSTU ISO 9001 - 2015, etc. Emphasis has been placed on constant purposeful work on the development and harmonization of national standards with European standards, with the aim of adapting and facilitating the activities of domestic producers on the international market. The production of domestic products in accordance with European quality and safety standards will enable Ukrainian manufacturers to expand their export potential for products to the European Union and other countries and be competitive on the world stage. Considerable attention is devoted to aspects of quality system certification. It has been proven that obtaining a certificate is a derivative of the implementation of a quality management system. The modern quality management system in the enterprise is effective when the manufactured products are in demand and the enterprise makes a profit, under such conditions certification becomes a formal procedure. It has been proven that the formation and implementation of quality management systems based on international standards will contribute to new opportunities for the development of domestic business, the elimination of trade barriers, and the establishment of close relationships between the spheres of production, trade, and consumption. Keywords: quality system, standardization, certification, quality management, quality

LEARNING MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN IMPROVING BUSINESS AND PRODUCT MARKETING AT SMK NEGERI 2 SIMPANG KIRI KOTA SUBULUSSALAM

<p>One way to develop students' skills in line with the objectives of Vocational High Schools (SMK) is by formulating learning management strategies to create and market products through micro-businesses managed by the school. This research aims to determine: 1) Learning management strategies in improving products and marketing micro-businesses at SMK Negeri 2 Simpang Kiri, Subulussalam City. 2) Barriers in improving products and marketing micro-businesses at SMK Negeri 2 Simpang Kiri, Subulussalam City. 3) Efforts in improving products and marketing micro-businesses at SMK Negeri 2 Simpang Kiri, Subulussalam City. The research method uses a qualitative descriptive approach. Data collection is conducted through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The data collection instrument is obtained through interviews with key informants. The data analysis procedure uses general data validity in qualitative research, namely data triangulation. The results of the research indicate that: 1) Learning management strategies to enhance products and micro-businesses involve hands-on practice methods in both product creation and marketing. It uses offline and online marketing strategies through social media. 2) The barriers to improving products and marketing micro-businesses include difficulties in obtaining materials, inadequate student skills, and an unfavorable geographical location. 3) Efforts to improve products and marketing micro-businesses involve continuous improvement in product quality and marketing. The school carries out marketing through both offline and online channels, meeting buyers in person and utilizing online platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.</p>

Process design for energy efficient, economically feasible, environmentally safe methyl chloride production process plant: Chlorination of methane route

Methyl chloride is the starting raw material for chloromethanes and the demand for chloromethane is increasing steadily in the world market. Continuous improvement in product quality, reducing the product cost, improving the operation efficiency, minimizing the environmental emissions, and enhancing the process plant safety are some of the challenges or constraints facing by the chloromethane industry. In this research work, an attempt has been made to address these challenges using process systems engineering. As a first step, a process simulation model is designed conceptually using the Aspen HYSYS V11 for the production of 99.9 % pure methyl chloride from the methane chlorination route. Energy analysis is performed for the effective utilization of the utilities by adding one new heat exchanger. This modification reduced the utility cost by 31.17 % and recovered the 13028 kW of energy from the process with a payback period of 0.8759 years. Energy savings reduced the product cost by 3.26 %. Heat integration reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 16.5 %. Process plant safety is improved by using depressurization studies. Safety calculations are performed for the storage tank protection and the tank is used for the storage of methyl chloride product. Sizing calculations are performed for safety valves to vent off excess vapor through pressure safety valves to protect the equipment against overpressure scenarios. Process design engineers and process safety engineers can use the methodology developed in this study to design energy-efficient, economically feasible, and environmentally safe chemical process plants.

The Dependency of Supply Chain Management and Product Quality on Product Innovation

One of the challenges faced by fashion MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) in Bandung is the poor quality of their products. Product quality is one of the important aspects to consider while aiming for strengthening competitiveness and customer satisfaction. Therefore, the fashion MSMEs need to continuously improve their product quality to be better and more reliable in order to gain consumer’s trust and satisfaction. Supply chain management has been proven to affect product quality. On the other hand, product innovation is also needed to ensure continuous improvement in product quality. This study applied a quantitative method to analyze the direct and indirect influence of supply chain management on product quality. The indirect influence used product innovation as an intermediating variable. The data were collected by distributing questionnaires among fashion MSMEs in Bandung area and processed by using SmartPLS 3.2.8. The inner model, outer model and bootstrapping were produced in data processing to identify the root causes of the problem based on the phenomena raised in this study. The analysis results showed that supply chain management has significant effects on product quality. Product innovation as a mediating factor also significantly affects the relationship between supply chain management and product quality. This study contributes as references for fashion MSMEs to improve their product quality through supply chain management and product innovation to achieve competitive advantages and high customer satisfaction rates.

The Impact of Customer Focus, Obsession On Quality, Education and Training, Teamwork And Continuous Improvement On Product Quality

The purpose of this study is to study the direct and indirect interactions between CustomerFocus, Education and Training, Team Cooperation, and Continuous Improvement ofProduct Quality. The study was carried out in the Small and Medium Industry soun noodlesin Klaten Regency. The subjects of this study were the owners of Small and MediumIndustries soun noodles.This study has a contribution, especially in explaining themechanism to provide educational programs and job training for employees to continue toimprove their skills and work skills, build strong teamwork supported by high morale andcontinuously develop and diversify products based on customer demand, feedback betweencustomers, quality of competitors, and ways employee work.

Design and Analysis of a Novel Tension Control Method for Winding Machine

Filament winding has emerged as the main process for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) fabrication, and tension control plays a key role in enhancing the quality of the winding products. With the continuous improvement of product quality and efficiency, the precision of the tension control system is constantly improving. In this paper, a novel tension control method is proposed, which can regulate the fiber tension and transport speed of the winding process by governing the outputs of three different driven rollers (the torque of the unwind roll, the torque of the magnetic powder brake roller, and the speed of the master speed roller) in three levels. The mechanical structures and dynamic models of the driven rollers and idle rollers are established by considering the time-varying features of the roller radius and inertia. Moreover, the influence of parameters and speed variation on fiber tension is investigated using the increment model. Subsequently, the control method is proposed by applying fiber tension in three levels according to the features of the three driven rollers. An adaptive fuzzy controller is designed for tuning the PID parameters online to control the speed of the master speed roller. Simulation is conducted for verifying the performance and stability of the proposed tension control method by comparing with those of the conventional PID control method. The result reveals that the proposed method outperforms the conventional method. Finally, an experimental platform is constructed, and the proposed system is applied to a winding machine. The performance and stability of the tension control system are demonstrated via a series of experiments using carbon fiber under different reference speeds and tensions. This paper proposes a novel tension control method to regulate the fiber tension and transport speed.

Parametric Optimization of CNC End Milling Process on Aluminium 6063 Alloy Using Grey Based Taguchi Method

This investigation focused on the multi-response optimization of CNC end milling of Aluminium 6063 Alloy material using Grey relational analysis and Taguchi method. Experiments were designed based on L9 Taguchi Orthogonal array, to arrive at an optimum parameter combination within the experimental domain. The spindle speed (S), feed rate (f) and depth of cut (d) which are known to have considerable effect on the selected responses i.e. surface roughness (Ra) and Material removal rate (MRR) and are considered as control parameters. The single objective optimization using Taguchi method more often results in conflicting requirements on control variables. To overcome this challenge, the Taguchi approach followed by Grey relational analysis was applied to solve this multi response optimization problem. The significance of these factors on overall quality characteristics of the milling process has also been evaluated quantitatively with the Analysis of variance method (ANOVA). Optimal results were verified through confirmation experiments. This shows feasibility of the Grey relation analysis in combination with Taguchi technique for continuous improvement in product quality in manufacturing industry and the suitability of the method to optimize the multi objective problems involved in CNC milling.

A hybrid approach for the prediction and optimization of cutting forces using grey-based fuzzy logic

This study focused on the Grey-Based Fuzzy Logic Algorithm for the prediction and optimization of multiple performance characteristics of oblique turning process. Experiments have been constructed according to Taguchi’s L16 orthogonal array design matrix. Cutting speed, rate of feed and depth of cut were selected as input parameters, whereas material removal rate, cutting force and surface roughness were selected as output responses. Using grey relation analysis (GRA), grey relational coefficient (GRC) and grey relation grade (GRG) were obtained. Then, Grey based fuzzy algorithm was applied to obtain grey fuzzy reasoning grade (GFRG). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) carried out to find the significance and contribution of parameters on multiple performance characteristics. Finally, confirmation test was applied at the optimum level of GFRG to validate the results. The results also show the application feasibility of the grey based fuzzy algorithm for continuous improvement in product quality in complex manufacturing processes.

Sensitivity analysis–based dynamic process capability evaluation for small batch production runs

Quantifying the current and expected future performance of a machining process no doubt is essential for continuous improvement of product quality and productivity. However, process capability evaluation for small batch production runs is a challenging work, because the assumptions required by traditional evaluation approaches based on statistical process control techniques are commonly not satisfied in real world. In this article, a sensitivity analysis–based process capability evaluation method for small batch production runs is proposed, and a new capability index is also presented correspondingly. In this method, an error propagation model between machining errors and input errors is first established using weighted least squares support vector machine. Then, the sensitivity distribution of machining errors versus input errors is characterized by a set of eigenvalues and eigenvectors in the variation space of input errors. Third, the safe variation space of input errors is solved according to the specification limits of quality characteristics. Finally, the process capability is evaluated by comparing the fitness between the safe variation space and the tolerance space of input errors. A practical case is addressed to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method, and the results demonstrate that the method can measure a real small batch machining process effectively and get rid of the common assumption of independent and identical distribution, which is needed by traditional methods.

Grey-based fuzzy algorithm for the optimization of the ball burnishing process

Abstract In the present study, Grey based fuzzy algorithm was used for the optimization of complex multiple performance characteristics of the ball burnishing process. Experiments have been planned according to Taguchi's L16 orthogonal design matrix. Burnishing force, number of passes, feed rate and burnishing speed were selected as input parameters, whereas surface roughness and microhardness were selected as output responses. Using Grey relation analysis (GRA), Grey relational coefficient (GRC) and Grey relation grade (GRG) were obtained. Then, Grey-based fuzzy algorithm was applied to obtain Grey fuzzy reasoning grade (GFRG). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to find the significance and contribution of parameters on multiple performance characteristics. Finally, a confirmation test was applied at the optimum level of GFRG to validate the results. The results also show the feasibility of the Grey-based fuzzy algorithm for continuous improvement in product quality in complex manufacturing processes.

Hole characteristics optimization in Nd:YAG laser micro-drilling of zirconium oxide by grey relation analysis

The use of the Taguchi method with grey relational analysis, to determine the laser micro-drilling parameters with consideration of multiple quality characteristics, is studied in this paper. The effort has been made to minimize the micro-drilling defects, such as hole taper and heat-affected zone width, to produce high-quality micro-drills. The Taguchi method coupled with grey relational analysis is therefore used as statistical design of experiment tools for optimization of both the quality characteristics, simultaneously. The optimal result obtained has been verified with the help of an additional confirmatory experiment. This indicates the application feasibility of the grey–Taguchi technique for continuous improvement in product quality in the manufacturing industry.

Measuring manufacturing performance with the implementation of TPM: an exploratory study

The role of maintenance in modern manufacturing is becoming ever more important, with companies adopting maintenance as a profit-generating business element. The failure of equipments or machines to produce products on time as required can reflect the inefficiency in operations. The objective of total productive maintenance (TPM) is to create a relationship between production and maintenance functions, for continuous improvement of product quality and operational efficiency. Though it has been well established that total quality management, just-in-time and employee involvement have strongly contributed to the manufacturing performances (MPs) of the organisations, but there is limited evidence of the role that TPM plays in improving the MP of the organisations. In this paper, we investigated the relationship between TPM and organisational performance through multiattribute decision model using analytical hierarchy process. In the findings, it was observed that TPM has a positive and significant relationsh...

DISEÑO, APLICACIÓN Y EVALUACIÓN DE UN MODELO PARA LA MEJORA DE PROCESOS EN SECTORES INDUSTRIALES MADUROS. ESTUDIO DEL CASO.

Current organizations must work in changing environments, being one of their major challenges to improve competitiveness through the continuous improvement of product quality and efficiency of their production processes. To do this, companies get used to launching programs of Continuous Improvement (CI) and/or further initiatives based on isolated improvement projects using specific methods between which the Six Sigma one can be stressed/emphasized (SS). The benefits of both CI programs, such as specific applications of the SS methodology are well known: for that reason, they are used by many industries. The implementation is not easy; there is no a magic wand for their instantaneous and successful implementation. This paper presents the development and application of a Process Improvement (PI) model, in which have joined the foundation for CI programs and the SS methodology. The model developed is used as a management program, which will run CI projects using the methodology SS. The research methodology approached in this project has been the case study research, so that the model has been tested and improved in four manufacturing companies, suppliers of components for the automotive and home appliances sectors. The model has been applied during the 2008-2009, 8 projects have been addressed through its application: thus, important improvements in various production areas of these organizations have been achieved. Specifically, from the 8 projects undertaken in 4 objectives have been achieved fully, in 1 they have been achieved at a medium level and in 3 the results were not successful. The causes that have most affected the implementations have been the involvement of management, the project types undertaken, the surveillance of the operative process and the communication of lessons learned. Also one of the organizations where the model has been applied will be used as a basis for implementing an ongoing program of PI.

Implementacja systemu TQM w podnoszeniu pozycji konkurencyjnej przedsiębiorstwa przemysłowego

The main aim of each industrial enterprise is to achieve the long-term financial success. The source of that is customer satisfaction, benefits for organisation and its members. Customer is satisfied when he receives high quality product. Therefore the essential task of industrial enterprise is the continuous improvement of product quality. Realisation of TQM principles is of great importance.The TQM philosophy is an innovative way of company management. It promotes building of comprehensive, individual organisational culture of enterprise with common aims and values. The change of philosophy of thinking and workers concentration on high quality products manufacturing are the principal factors which influence the increase of company’s operations. Only these workers who are qualified and conscious about company’s mission as well as internal and external dependencies, can work effectively.

Grey-based taguchi method for optimization of bead geometry in submerged arc bead-on-plate welding

A multi-response optimization problem has been developed in search of an optimal parametric combination to yield favorable bead geometry of submerged arc bead-on-plate weldment. Taguchi’s L25 orthogonal array (OA) design and the concept of signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) have been used to derive objective functions to be optimized within experimental domain. The objective functions have been selected in relation to parameters of bead geometry viz. bead width, bead reinforcement, depth of penetration and depth of HAZ. The Taguchi approach followed by Grey relational analysis has been applied to solve this multi-response optimization problem. The significance of the factors on overall output feature of the weldment has also been evaluated quantitatively by analysis of variance method (ANOVA). Optimal result has been verified through additional experiment. This indicates application feasibility of the Grey-based Taguchi technique for continuous improvement in product quality in manufacturing industry.

Measurement Techniques for the Inspection of Porosity Flaws on Machined Surfaces

Continuous improvement of product quality is essential to the success of manufacturing enterprises. In-process inspection plays an important role in improving product quality control of mass produced products. The change that has occurred in traditional mass production, i.e., the change from dedicated manufacturing to reconfigurable and flexible manufacturing, has increased the demand for computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). Automated inspection serves as a key component of CIM, for example, detecting and measuring surface flaws. Today, inspection of surface flaws is mainly performed on sheet metal, paper, glass, rags, etc. These objects are flat in nature and do not include 3D features or edges of features. However, structural parts which are produced using casting process are complicated and are composed of a large number of features. When these parts are machined (flat milled) porosity defects arise in addition to surface flaws such as scratches and texture defects. Porosity defects arise on the surface when the cutting tool cuts through an air bubble (pore void) created during casting. In many applications, inspection and accurate measurement of porosity flaws, within the capabilities of the measuring device, is essential and crucial to determine the ability of the product to function well. In this paper we present a technique for measuring the correct size of a pore using a low value threshold, to avoid false detection, miss detection and underestimation of pore size. Also we present two algorithms for detecting edge-connected pores which are pores on the edge of features. Detection is done without the use of a feature data base. One of the edge-connected pore detection algorithms uses basic morphological operations for determining the locations of the pores, while the other algorithm uses curve analysis for the same purpose. The feasibility of the proposed porosity measurement technique and edge-connected pore detection algorithms is demonstrated and validated on the joint face of an engine cylinder head.

TPM—Total Productive Maintenance: Impact on competitiveness and a framework for successful implementation

AbstractTotal Productive Maintenance (TPM) describes a synergistic relationship among all organizational functions, but particularly between production and maintenance, for continuous improvement of product quality, operational efficiency, capacity assurance, and safety. This article provides the key factors that are critical to the successful implementation of TPM. It is thus crucial to provide and discuss those factors for more effective TPM implementation. Also, this study explores the impact of TPM on the competitiveness of the company. This research concludes that long‐term benefits of TPM are the result of considerable investment in human resource development and management. For TPM practitioners, we advise to build a supportive culture and environment with a strong emphasis on human and organizational aspects to promote effective TPM implementation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Are employers constrained in the use of employee participation groups by section 8(a)(2) of the National Labor Relations Act?

Employee participation groups (EPGs) are increasingly used by American employers (Eaton, 1994; Finding 3 of S. 295 ]TEAM Act, 1997]). Some EPGs have a specific and narrow purpose, such as continuous improvement of product quality, while others are broader and less defined. EPGs are often found in firms that have trimmed management jobs, flattened their organizational structure, and embraced employee empowerment. The increased use of such groups, a 20-year trend still in progress, also coincides with the American labor movement's membership decline.

Quality improvement through capable processes and ergonomic design

Capable production processes and ergonomically designed workplaces provide the basis for the manufacture of products of consistently high quality. In addition, continuous improvement in product quality can only be realized by means of systematic analysis and optimization of all of the industrial production processes. At Volkswagen AG, process-auditing has proven to be an optimal instrument for analysis and improvement. As well as allowing full account to be taken of machine-specific factors, the integration of ergonomic studies and quasi-experimental process-capability investigations into a comprehensive process-auditing concept enables, in particular, examination of the effect of work-design measures on the quality capability of industrial production processes. The application of process-auditing in the pressing department at Volkswagen AG results in an optimization of workplace design and product quality. Relevance to industry A primary concern of any company must be the quality of its products. Basis for an improvement in the product are capable production processes and standardized, ergonomically designed work-places. The described concept of process-auditing comprises the effect of work-design and work-organization measures on the quality capability of the production processes employed at a company.

Strategic industrial sourcing: the Japanese advantage

Japanese industrial firms have developed a system of subcontracting with suppliers that has played a major role in their world-wide success. This book explores the historical evolution of subcontracting in Japan and analyses it in current practice. It develops a theory of 'strategic dualism' that after nearly six decades of evolution is a new mode of contractual relations, based on principles of problem-solving collaborative manufacturing. This new form of contractual relations is supported by a range of institutional arrangements that drive prime contractors and subcontractors towards continuous improvement in product quality and cost reduction. It argues that this system is possible in a range of cultures different from Japan.