Quality Control Analysis

Quality Control Analysis

Total Quality Management (TQM) is an integrated effort that is designed to achieve good quality on all levels of an organization. The achievement of the best possible quality requires the implementation of an efficient and effective operations management strategy. Most importantly, an organization must understand what defines quality to be able to develop its TQM efforts (Reid & Sanders, 2016). Based on the interview with the manager at Zara, the following are the quality control initiatives applied by the company to produce the best possible quality for its target customers.

Zara’s Quality Control Initiatives

            Zara has put certain initiatives in place to ensure quality control is at its best level. First, the organization has clearly defined what quality means for them. Before developing any quality control processes, it is important that an organization understands what quality means. This gives them a goal to work towards. Zara’s definition of quality is determined mainly by the customers’ needs. Zara also manages its quality control with the help of quality tools. Quality tools are important in TQM because they identify problems and provide a way to evaluate and improve the ineffectiveness that is affecting quality. By using these tools, Zara is able to track the quality of its products in the operations process and correct any possible issues in time.

Zara also manages its quality by focusing on employees. The employees play an important role in the entire operations process. They are responsible for the production of the quality that is expected by the customers. Hence, they need to be well equipped with the skills, capabilities, and resources to ensure quality in all operations processes. Zara focuses on its employees in the hiring phase by ensuring they get talented designers who can meet the high demand for quality fashion.

Lastly, Zara ensures that its operations process is of the best possible quality by using a lean production model. Lean production is a model of production that focuses on cutting waste while maintaining high quality (Nicholas, 2015). This production model seeks to improve the production flow and eliminate unevenness that affects quality (Jasti & Kodali, 2015). By using this technique, Zara ensures a smooth production process that produces the best possible quality.

Definition of Specifications of a Quality Product at Zara

Zara defines the quality of its products based on the customers’ wants and needs. The company defines its quality based on the quality of the fabrics that have been used, the quality of the stitching, and the versatility of the designs. Therefore, quality management begins with the raw materials sourcing process. The company ensures that it gets the best possible fabrics at a cost that allows them to make affordable clothing. The production process is also designed to ensure the development of versatile designs, and the best possible stitching to meet the customers’ quality standards.

Zara also measures quality in terms of the sustainability of its operations process. In the interview, Zara’s manager stated that “Zara’s view of quality is production that has been done in a safe manner, which is appropriate for the social and environmental conditions.” Therefore, the company focuses on minimizing its negative impact on the environment and the communities as a result of its operations. Therefore, the company has set up collection points for used clothes for recycling purposes. Additionally, they utilize forest-based synthetic fibers that have been developed using environmentally friendly processes like the use of renewable energy.

Quality Control Tools in Use

            Zara uses several control tools for its TQM initiatives. One of the tools commonly used is the control chart. A control chart is a quality management tool that tracks the value of a process in a given time period. This is a good tool for tracking disparity in value creation in the production process (Reid & Sanders, 2016). In case of a change in the value creation at different points, the organization can easily identify a quality issue. Therefore, this is an important tool for ensuring that the quality remains consistent throughout the operations process.

Zara also uses other tools for its TQM.  The company uses flow charts to ensure consistency in the operations management at all levels of the organization. According to Reid and Sanders (2016), a flow chart is a schematic diagram representing a sequence of steps involved in the operations process. By using this tool, the organization is able to ensure that each of the products goes through the same exact production process. It creates a clear picture of how operations should work for all employees to use a similar process. As a result, the organization is able to produce consistent quality products. Regardless of the store or country in which one purchases a Zara product, one can expect the same quality since the exact procedure is used in producing each of them.

References

Jasti, N. V. K., & Kodali, R. (2015). Lean production: literature review and trends. International Journal of Production Research, 53(3), 867-885.

Nicholas, J. (2015). Lean production for competitive advantage: a comprehensive guide to lean methodologies and management practices. Productivity Press.

Reid, R. D., & Sanders, N. R. (2016). Operations Management, Binder Ready Version: An Integrated Approach. John Wiley & Sons.

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The third component of your project focuses on the company’s quality control program. Analyze your company’s program based on your interviews with the company and the information provided in this unit. For more information on quality control programs, refer to Chapters 5 and 6 in your textbook.