Defects
are defined as:
Product
or process attributes that don't meet the predefined specifications,
causing rework/repair or scrap.
Defects
have been Enemy #1 since the late '70s with the introduction
of Japanese manufactured cars into the American market. The Quality
Movement of the '80s, '90s and today is based on the elimination
of variation. Process and product variation are sources of defects.
Quality gurus Deming, Juran, Crosby, etc. emphasized through
different approaches that elimination of variation (defects)
is paramount to business success.
The
basic idea is:
reducing
variation = smaller # of defects = increasing profits
The
less time spent fixing errors, the lower the cost to produce
the product. The lower the cost of production, the greater potential
for higher profit margins. Also, a quality product generates
customer satisfaction, which can increase market share.
Fewer
defects have a great effect on employee morale. Fewer defects
build your employees' confidence in their work. Fewer defects
reverse the mindset of "it doesn't matter what I do, its
going to be wrong anyway." Eliminating defects throughout
your operations will increase the productivity of all your employees.
It fosters teamwork and pride in their work.
CITEC
can help you identify the causes and sources of defects within
your operation and help your people create solutions.
Contact
CITEC's WasteBuster today: Eric Myers.
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