Zero ppm or zero defects, is a concept coined by the quality expert, Sir Philip Crosby, and became widely popular in the 1960s. The zero defects concept should be viewed as a quest for perfection in the development or manufacturing process. The merits of zero defects are huge, as they can increase profits both by eliminating the cost of failure and increasing revenues through increased customer satisfaction. Albeit, being applicable to any enterprise, this concept has been primarily adopted within supply chains where large volumes of components are being purchased.
There are a few methodologies that can drive the zero ppm concept. However, an effective supplier quality audit is one of the most popular ones. Below are 3 ways supplier quality audits can be used for your zero ppm goal.
1) Supplier QMS assessment
An effective Quality Management System on the supplier’s end is, by default, an assurance of zero defects to the customer. Effective QMS ensures that the defects at the supplier end will not be passed on to the customer. Further, the timely preventive and corrective actions, driven by QMS, is necessary for achieving the concept of zero ppm.
2) Manufacturing process and product audits
Manufacturing process audits can assess the capability of the process to deliver zero defects. This can be validated using statistical studies and process capability indices. This also ensures the right reaction systems (Poka-yoke/Mistake proofing) to hold and lock the defects at the point of origin. This mistake proofing is crucial for zero ppm from customer perspective.
3) Supplier risk assessment & performance monitoring
The risk associated with supplier audit management in today’s complex marketplace are challenging and many. The first step to have a comprehensive supplier assessment is to implement supplier data across all systems.
Most companies use the Zero ppm as a marketing slogan for their quality system without rolling out the right steps to achieve it. Audits are an effective tool to ensure quality across the supply chain and is the first big step towards achieving zero defects. An effective supplier audit, coupled with a robust incoming inspection process for the customer, can make the ‘’Zero ppm ‘’ philosophy a reality.
Most companies use the Zero ppm as a marketing slogan for their quality system without rolling out the right steps to achieve it. Audits are an effective tool to ensure quality across the supply chain and is the first big step towards achieving zero defects. An effective supplier audit, coupled with a robust incoming inspection process for the customer, can make the ‘’Zero ppm ‘’ philosophy a reality.
For more information on how quality systems can benefit your company, visit ppapandaudits.com
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