Articles Tagged with ''process control''

Integrating robots into a manufacturing line challenges process control engineers to rethink part flow and learn how both robot and 3D sensors can work together to achieve faster, more efficient production.

With so much focus on customers, companies can lose sight of their most valued asset—their people—and the critical roles they play in the success of their organizations.  Organizations are the employees, and customer service and quality are dependent on these skilled, motivated people.

If you’re in manufacturing, no matter the industry, quality is top of mind. It must be, or you won’t be in business long. Yet, with all the focus, there are big misses all the time in companies large and small, which leads to an interesting question: If quality gets so much attention, why are recalls still increasing? Further, what can we do about it?

It was summer camp and I was 12 years old. The game was called “Capture the Flag.” The goal is for one of two teams to capture the enemy’s flag, and return it to their base. Our battlefield was spread over a huge forest with rolling hills.

The plane landed, we began to taxi to the gate, and passengers started to shift in their seats. I took my briefcase from under the seat in front of me and placed it in the aisle. It’s a ritual I’ve repeated for years; I am sure everyone has their own process.

We have all experienced how frustrating it can be when an interaction with a company doesn’t materialize the way we expect.

I hopped into my rental car in Fort Lauderdale, impressed with how much the whole process of renting a vehicle has improved from the days when it felt like you were signing your life away for a few days of local transportation.

When the subject of quality is discussed it’s a safe bet that many would suggest it needs to improve. Additionally, many consider that senior management is most responsible for that improvement.

Good products don’t just happen. Quality depends on processes, and a process approach outlines the steps for success. Like so many elements of quality, it requires methodical attention to detail and planning. 

This column may not be popular, and it may put some readers on the defensive. The focus isn’t entirely on America as it’s a global issue, but it certainly seems rampant today.