What is Quality Management?
Quality management is an approach to managing procedures and processes to ensure a high degree of customer satisfaction, productivity and efficiency. Quality management can be used to improve processes that produce goods or services, as well as improve organizational performance. Quality management is defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as “…the application of recognized principles, methods and techniques appropriate to the activities or system being managed in order to achieve or demonstrate specified objectives.”
Principles of Quality Management
The seven principles of quality management are the foundation for all the ISO 9001 standards. They provide a roadmap for ensuring that a company’s products, services and processes meet customer expectations.
The seven principles of quality management are:
Engagement of people
Implementing a quality management system (ISO 9001) is not just the responsibility of senior management. In fact, everyone within your organization contributes towards its processes. Openly discussing issues and sharing knowledge and experience with your team is therefore key if you want to fully benefit from your quality management ISO. It is essential that everyone in your company understands their role and feels valued for their contribution to its success. This will not only help you achieve certification but will also demonstrate your organization’s commitment to improving quality.
Customer focus
As a business leader you have a responsibility to your customers and stakeholders in order to improve the performance of your business. One effective way of doing this is to foster a strong focus on your customers and their interests. This will help not just to satisfy customers but also gain support from others who have an interest in your success, including investors and employees looking for greater opportunities from working with you.
Leadership
A strong management team is an essential ingredient for any business. Good leadership can help an organization to grow and expand, as well as bringing about a sense of unity between employees. By putting clear and consistent communication strategies in place, you can nurture the loyalty of your team members, creating a positive working environment that will lead to effective decision making, effortless execution and motivated individuals who are happy to contribute towards achieving company goals.
Process approach
A process culture can be defined as a way of working which is based on achieving customer satisfaction through the systematic and planned development, monitoring and improvement of processes, products and services. A process culture is good for both large and small businesses alike, as it improves service levels and customer satisfaction.
Improvement
All organizations should work continuously to improve their processes, quality assurance and management systems to reduce the risk of non-conformities and maximize customer satisfaction.
Evidence-based decision making
Comprehensive, accurate and timely data to help you navigate your business environment with confidence.
Relationship management
Relationships are one of the most important aspects of business. If you don’t build attractive relationships with your suppliers, you will not be able to reach your sales and profit goals. But developing lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers isn’t always easy. You have to know how to make that happen.
Quality Management Examples
There are many different quality management systems, but they all share some common features.
Improved customer satisfaction
When products and services meet the required standards, customers are more likely to be satisfied with them. This can lead to increased sales and improved brand loyalty.
Reduced costs
By preventing defects in products and services, businesses can save money on rework, repairs, and replacements. This can lead to reduced costs and improved profitability.
Improved employee morale
Employees who work in businesses with good quality management systems are often more motivated and have higher morale. This can lead to improved productivity and lower staff turnover.
Enhanced reputation
Businesses with good quality management systems often have a better reputation, which can lead to increased sales and market share.
Overall, quality management provides numerous benefits for businesses. By ensuring that products and services meet the required standards, businesses can improve customer satisfaction, reduce costs, improve employee morale, and enhance their reputation.
How to Achieve Total Quality Management Using Quality Management Software
There are many different ways to achieve quality management, but one of the most effective methods is to use quality management software. Quality management software can help you to automate your quality management processes and ensure that your products meet all the required standards.
There are a few things to look for when choosing quality management software. Firstly, it should be able to integrate with your existing business systems. Secondly, it should be easy to use and understand. Lastly, it should offer a wide range of features that can be customized to suit your specific needs.
Once you have found the right quality management software for your business, you need to implement it effectively. Here are a few tips on how to do this:
- Communicate the importance of quality management to all employees.
- Train employees on how to use the software.
- Put in place clear procedures and workflows for quality management processes.
- Monitor and review the performance of the software regularly.
- Make sure that everyone in the organization is using the software correctly.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your business achieves total quality management using quality management software.
