Nonconformance is an unexpected event that occurs in the manufacturing process that deviates from the set standards or requirements. In most cases, these are problems that we unanticipated to arise along the way, derailing your entire plan. Entrepreneurs understand that mishaps in the production process have a boomerang effect and that a delay in the production process could have significant effects. As such, non-conformances lead to higher costs of production, inefficiency, disgruntled workers, small profit margins, and dissatisfied customers.
Expansion can lead to nonconformance
As companies grow from small startups to larger companies, they need to reinvent themselves. Since the problems that occur can hurt the quality realm, it is vital to develop a formidable way to deal with the nonconformance. While a small company might have every solution to the problems that arise, it becomes difficult to track the activities when merges and acquisitions occur. A disposition is important if you want to develop a certain way of doing things as your company grows.
Unfortunately, identifying a non-conformance is not easy. During nonconformance events, documentation of the process is vital and manufacturers are often faced with questions such as: Has the issue been rectified? Will it reoccur? How do we avoid this in the future? Nonconformance management systems are essential to answer these questions. There are several ways to get the most out of your nonconformance data:
• Developing a standard reporting strategy
Poor methods of reporting lead to the loss of nonconformance data, leading to nonconformance within your organization. If you have such problems in your company, you cannot identify them unless you improve your reporting system. The ability to track the nonconformance data will help your team to bridge the gap and increase your profits.
• Developing a daily nonconformance review regimen
Losing pertinent data is likely to occur in a busy organization. In the process, some customers might be dissatisfied, especially when the company is unable to meet their demands. By reviewing and managing nonconformance data, the management tracks every customer request, thus being a great way to improve relationships with clients. Having a team that assesses nonconformance data, analyzes the factors that might compromise the quality, productivity, and regulatory issues, will help to breach the gaps that affect your company’s productivity.
• Disposition
Disposition entails making a decision to settle a recurring problem in the quest to nip it in the bud. If a company is struggling with a persistent nonconformance problem, the team should agree on how to approach the problem. The unanimous decision might be to redesign the product(s), recall the product(s), make significant changes, or scrap some items from the market altogether. Since some dispositions will bring significant financial implications on the company, the team must take the time to deliberate on the issues.
• Ongoing Analysis
Ongoing analysis of the prevailing trends help companies to remain relevant by evaluating their manufacturing nonconformance data. For example, a car manufacturer must keep producing new models to remain competitive while meeting the diverse requirements of the modern car buyer. Before introducing a new brand, such a company must address the nonconformance that plagued the previous models to avoid recurrence. Identifying the manufacturing nonconformance involves getting reviews from the users and responding to every complaint. As such, a manufacturer needs to be flexible to meet the needs of the consumers. Evaluating the nonconformance data helps business to grow without compromising the quality of their products and processes.
In need of assistance with developing your Nonconformance Management System? Contact Ledge today for assistance.