Being an ISO 9002 company we found that our systems becoming stale and not showing enough visible and quantifiable improvement, we had to improve our quality initiatives by integrating our systems within the computerised SAP systems. Workd very well. Through this process we received on line actionable data but wasyet not sufficient enough. Embarked on the Ford Q1 process and for the first time actionable data is prevalent. Measurement, reacting ondata, low level team initiatives is working exceptionally well.
Management can now manage the business on their level efficiently.
When he returned he basically ordered his direct reports to develop and implement a method for continuously improving operations. It didn't have to be TQM, but did need to achieve identifiable returns within the first two years. So we had a deadline, so to speak. We always had a Quality System in place, however, our customers were becoming more and more Quality minded and began requiring more of our Quality System. As with any business, when a customers' customer requires more of them, they require more of us.