Instituting Quality Checks

The experiences that customers have with your product are the best way to assess what your company stands for. There is a definite need to have proper quality control methods in place if you wish to position your product as a cut above the rest in your industry. The continued ability of your business to maintain the highest standards of quality in all processes and outcomes will ensure its success and sustained growth in the long run. The challenge for small or mid-size businesses to institute quality checks is to create a sustainable model for quality control. Here are some tips on how your business can institute quality control techniques.

Organize tasks and roles: All tasks and roles must be clearly defined, with proper job descriptions in an organization chart. Be as detailed as possible while defining the scope and limits of the role, the responsibilities involved and the requisite skills that need to keep being updated. It should also include a plan that documents the required training, skills and other requirements for the task and the path if any of reporting to the management. This will help in quality control by having a clear understanding of the process without any doubts or potential for error.

Build accountability: Building accountability among teams and in processes will make those in charge of various aspects of product and process much more responsible. Creating that sense of ownership will make sure that there is very little scope for deviating from the quality control path that has been set. In smaller setups, a process should be initiated where employees work as a team and each is responsible for the quality of the other’s work. Work verification based on accountability is one of the best quality control techniques for your business.

Institute a quality feedback process: When the quality guidelines are properly defined and specified, there needs to be a comprehensive quality feedback process put in place so that any gaps in quality can be addressed appropriately. Investigate customer complaints, and put together a process where if an employee notices that a particular aspect is not within the standards, he/she needs to make a non-compliance report. Also ensure that the person responsible for the quality control breach is copied in all communication with the customer and is able to be accountable for lapses. A feedback mechanism will also help your business gain new insights about how the product can be improved, or what the customer liked about it.

Create measures for quality: Your business also needs to be able to measure quality with the right quality control methods. Measuring quality will give managers and supervisors a solid measure to assess their team’s performance and will also enable them to create necessary processes to correct any shortfalls in quality. It is also important to review these quality control techniques and guidelines periodically, and raise them if necessary. Do this gradually to improve quality over a period of time.

Quality checks are an integral part of every process for your business and the right quality control methods can make all the difference between a good product or service and one with amazing feedback and reviews and an excellent reputation to position it as a market leader. Quality is that aspect of your brand that if maintained, will be appreciated by customers and will accelerate the growth of your business.