Quality management systems (QMS) are the cornerstone of a productive company. Consider what a typical day of errands looks like if you haven’t created a plan for yourself – you end up enduring a more challenging day than you could have had if you had taken the steps to stay on track. This preliminary planning is crucial in a metal fabrication company, which needs structure and organization to ensure efficiency and success.
What is a Quality Management System?
A QMS is defined as a formal process that is used to review the inner workings of a business – operations, services, and products offered. The main goal is to identify any areas that could improve and streamline them. QMS is a system that any company can take on to aid in improving their output, however, the International Standards Organization has created a guideline that is recognized internationally, known as ISO 9001.
Quality management systems are found in essentially every business but are especially imperative for a metal fabrication company, where time, resources, and quality products and services are at the forefront of success.
Goals of a QMS include:
● Defining and improving process control
● Reducing waste
● Engaging employees by setting a clear direction
● Unveiling training opportunities
● Reducing costs
● Customer satisfaction
● Producing consistent results
● Preventing mistakes
Benefits of a Quality Management System
Using a quality management system affects every aspect of an organization’s performance, with the end goal of continuous improvement and increased business. Quality management is essential to each part of the metal fabrication manufacturing process from conception to delivery.
Increased Efficiency & Improvement of Process
Companies who receive ISO 9001 certification are aiming for operational excellence and improving the quality of products and services. Within this process, specific requirements are put in place as a guide for employees to follow to ensure a smoother process within the day-to-day and appropriate, cost-effective handling of any bumps in the road that may arise. This is crucial for metal fabrication companies that are considered a “one-stop shop,” or have a variety of services they provide.
Trustworthiness and Recognition
ISO accreditation serves as a standard that proves to customers and business partners alike that a company is trustworthy, organized, and driven. This goes a long way, not only to establish credence within the metal fabrication industry but also to develop a trusted and recognized reputation throughout the international business landscape.
Customer Satisfaction
Quality management systems are imperative to customer satisfaction, which ultimately leads to customer loyalty. Measuring customer satisfaction is a common strategy used to gauge the success of a QMS and helps establish how the organization is run from a consumer’s point of view.
Quest-Tech’s Quality Control Measures
The ISO 9001:2015 quality management system in place at Quest-Tech ensures that all aspects of our fabrication business are producing high-quality results. This spans across the entirety of our custom metal fabrication process:
Procedures & Technology
We take pride in the procedures and technologies that we employ to manufacture the highest quality products and services for our clients. We are proud to have the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) certified welding procedures and welders. We also ensure first article approval using FabriVISION Optical Scanning system, which is high-tech laser-based inspection equipment by Amada that digitizes measurements and capabilities necessary to quality assurance.
Production
Precision metal fabrication is the core of our business, which is why Quest-Tech provides a thorough in-process inspection at each stage of production. Our inspections are custom tailored to meet specific client requests and standards, ensuring that expectations are being met. Quest-Tech inspection operations are documented on the Shop Manufacturing Plan, which accompanies each job along the production cycle and provides traceability for each item produced.
Quality Certifications
As a trusted metal fabrication company, we understand that particular certifications and methods need to be in place in order to provide reputable products and services to our customers. Quest-Tech’s credentials include:
● ISO 9001:2015 Certified
● International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)
● Certificates of Conformance and Compliance
● Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)
● Non-Destructive Examination (NDE)
At Quest-Tech, our ISO 9001 quality management system ensures that we are consistent, efficient, and producing quality results. We understand that harmonizing modern equipment alongside knowledgeable and dedicated employees is the key to our success, allowing us to not only meet but exceed customer satisfaction. To learn more about our QMS process, please contact our experienced team today.
