In early 2024, ETQ surveyed 750 senior-level quality professionals across the U.S., U.K. and Germany who were asked about their views on quality in the workplace. The goal was to collect real-world feedback on the trends, issues and challenges that affect quality professionals in those markets. Responses provided valuable insights into the current state of quality management and came from several industries, including heavy industry, electronics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, logistics, automotive and aerospace.
Quality in Manufacturing: Culture and Connected Quality
In today’s competitive landscape, having and maintaining high-quality standards in manufacturing is an advantage. As organizations strive for excellence, the dynamics of quality management and the key role of frontline workers are important to understand. The responses from those surveyed show how organizations manage quality and train their frontline workers, exposing insights that can drive improvements.
The Role of Quality Management Systems
88% of respondents say they are currently using a quality management system (QMS) to oversee their organization’s quality processes. However, the difference between managing quality with software like Excel or SharePoint and using an automated QMS is staggering. An automated, cloud-based, electronic QMS offers a comprehensive solution to the quality challenges faced by manufacturers. By providing real-time visibility into quality processes, a QMS helps organizations identify and mitigate risks before they cause problems – something manual processes can’t do.
Automated quality management plays a critical role in modern manufacturing. An automated, electronic QMS serves as a single source of truth, centralizing all quality processes, documentation and data. This connects workflows and enhances visibility across the organization, eliminating silos and ensuring quality standards are consistently met.
With an integrated platform for managing quality data, organizations can streamline their processes, reduce errors and improve compliance more easily. This not only boosts efficiency but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where every stakeholder – from bottom to top – has common quality goals.
Assessing Quality Management Initiatives
The survey shows that 76% of respondents rate their quality initiatives as “good to great,” indicating a high level of confidence in their current quality practices. However, there’s always room for improvement, and a deeper look at how organizations approach quality management reveals significant variability.
39% of those surveyed reported that quality is viewed as a strategic initiative. These organizations recognize that excellence in quality can drive competitive advantage, enhance customer satisfaction and ultimately, boost the bottom line. On the other hand, 35% manage their quality processes only to satisfy compliance requirements, which can limit an organization’s potential for growth and overall success.
Training Frontline Workers
Frontline workers are directly involved in production processes and play a crucial role in maintaining and improving quality standards. The survey found that 49% of respondents rated their training for frontline workers as “good,” while only 22% reported having “best-in-class” training programs.
These results show a major opportunity for improvement. Frontline workers should be well-trained and empowered to take a strategic role in quality decisions from bottom to top. A connected workforce, supported by strong training programs, provides valuable insights and feedback to drive continuous improvement. When frontline employees are equipped with the right skills, knowledge and technology, they can identify potential issues earlier and suggest innovative solutions that will contribute to a culture of quality throughout the organization.
The Power of a Connected Workforce
A connected and empowered workforce is essential for driving effective quality management. By using enterprise technology to improve communication and collaboration, organizations can harness the collective intelligence of their employees. This allows for better reporting and quicker responses to quality issues and enables organizations to act on opportunities for improvement that might otherwise go unnoticed.
For example, an automated, cloud-based, electronic QMS like ETQ Reliance® partnered with a Connected Worker Solution uses real-time data sharing and analysis, allowing frontline workers to report issues and track resolutions efficiently. This not only increases accountability but also ensures that quality metrics are continuously monitored and adjusted. A connected workforce develops a sense of ownership and engagement among employees, empowering them to take proactive measures to maintain the highest possible quality standards.
Conclusion
A connected frontline workforce is critical for organizations looking to maintain quality and improve productivity on the shop floor in the face of workforce shortages. The survey shows that many organizations are on the right track, but there is still room for improvement, particularly in the areas of building a strategic approach to quality management and frontline worker training.
Manufacturers should take a close look at their quality processes to ensure they aren’t just meeting compliance requirements but working toward growth and excellence. Investing in best-in-class training for frontline workers and leveraging the capabilities of an electronic quality management system like ETQ Reliance can provide a comprehensive quality solution, giving companies a way to build a quality-driven culture that affects every level of the organization.
Quality is not just a function of compliance but a strategic asset that can drive improvement, customer satisfaction and business success. By fostering a culture of quality and building a connected and engaged workforce, manufacturers can ensure competitiveness in an ever-changing market.
