Struggling to bridge the gap between production and quality control teams?

Bridging the gap between production and quality control (QC) teams can be challenging but is crucial for maintaining high product standards and operational efficiency. Here are some strategies to enhance collaboration: 1. Open Communication Channels 2. Integrated Goals and KPIs 3. Cross-Training 4. Collaborative Problem-Solving 5. Implement Feedback Loops 6. Leadership Support 7. Technology and Tools

To align production and quality control teams, start by practicing gemba, visiting the workplace to understand real challenges and show empathy. Hold regular meetings and encourage continuous feedback to quickly solve problems. Joint training sessions will strengthen mutual understanding, while shared KPIs will ensure everyone works towards the same goals. Prioritize simple, well-done, and effective work, and promote the culture of "do not create, do not sell, and do not pass defects." Use positive recognition instead of negative feedback to reinforce the quality culture. These strategies will help create a harmonious and productive work environment.

One of the most important principles in bridging this gap is awareness of the team and responsibility of the team leader. Awareness that quality is starting from the production team themselves and their practices and awareness that the amounts they're struggling to produce has no value if it doesn't meet the requirements of quality. In addition to responsibility and committment of team leader to communicate this principle through the team and make sure it gets it's intended results.

Common goals with a koi ( key operating indicator) that is clearly understood by all parties is essential .Once the team is communicating through a common measurement requirement it becomes easier to obtain the required goals

This is a problem caused by a lack of of integrated processes, communication barriers and differing priorities. It is important to develop a collaborative culture with shared goals and motivated teamwork. Implementing integrated processes and cross-functional training can help each team understand the other's challenges. The use of communication tools can improve consistency in quality checks. Supportive leadership is crucial to promote cooperation, set objectives, and effectively resolve conflicts, to align both teams towards the organization's success.

It is essential that regular scheduled communication meeting take place within mutually agreed KOI in place ,This will allow the team to concentrate on a results orientated goal .Once you concentrate on results oriented goals your performance will improve

It is clear that in any team effort clear boundary samples that are understood by both production and quality as well as material handling personnel are in place and inspection status is clearly identified through all phases of production

This integration requires good level of coordinated planning and communication between quality and production departmens. This planing focuses mainly on the improvement of production process to increase it's quality and efficiency which leads to decrease of defects.

It is essential that all groups of personnel involved must be trained on acceptance ,rejection criteria and red rabbits and tests are in place to ensure that the training is fully understood .Without red rabbits and clear acceptance standards being fully understood success is difficult in any operation

All production and quality teams in the first place need to have a professional training on best practices related to national standards such as GMP then a training on the international standards such ISO related to their industry and keep updated to all quality standard updates.

It is essential that reviews take place on regular basis bi weekly in the initial stages ,tapering down to monthly once metrics and boundary samples are fully understood ,open constructive criticism should be encouraged to make the team gel and allow everyone to have a voice .Document positives and negatives of your process so it can be used with other teams on different projects