Total Quality Management for organisations is not necessarily a set of instructions but rather a frame of mind embedded in its company culture. Any business that has process functions (such as an assembly line) can find implementing a total quality management system (also known as simply TQM) will cut down on wasted time and increase product output. This method of minimising waste, minimising process time, increasing output, and maintaining a quality standard is based off the idea of continuous quality improvement and taking the correct steps each time- the first time. ISO certification is also helpful, but we will get to that later. The reason why TQM is so critical to business success is because it creates a high-quality standard, so here are a few tips for achieving an excellent total quality management system.Define Company Culture
A company culture that is focused on total quality management is a culture that thrives. Quality at the source must be a mission and value that the company holds true to their system processes. Some company cultures do not care much for TQM, choosing to go with the flow or operate by some other quality standard. If an organisation does choose to integrate TQM into their daily operations, there are seven key pillars they must keep in mind.
[FURL=https://isoinspect.com.au/]ISO Certification[/FURL]
The International Organisation for Standardisation (also known as ISO) oversees developing quality standards, quality systems, and quality activities for companies around the world to use as a basis for their operations and best practices. When a company becomes ISO certified, that simply means they are following the rules and procedures of ISO. This is particularly important for companies who engage in international trade as it sets a quality norm so there are no surprises. While becoming ISO certified is not a requirement of TQM, it definitely puts the organisation processes in order and helps all business functions run much more efficiently.
Focus on 8 Key Principles
The eight key principles of TQM address how an organisation should function in order to be the most efficient.
1. Customer Entered- Always, always, always put the customer first and get their feedback.
2. Employee Involvement- Let employees be free to make some of their own decisions and get them involved however possible.
3. Integrated Structure- Develop cross-functional teams and keep all departments connected.
4. Focus on Processes- This is the most important; innovate processes and measure data.
5. Strategic Approach- Every action should be taken strategically with a greater purpose behind it.
6. Continuous Improvement- Optimise and innovate constantly; improvement never stops!
7. Factual Decision making- Data rules everything; know the facts.
8. Communicate- Without communication an organisation will crumble.
Alter Processes
Being willing to alter processes and procedures is critical to achieving TQM- this is especially true in the beginning phase when a company initially shifts into this new frame of thinking. How will the requirements be met? Why do these standards matter? Who will be involved in each process? How will TQM be achieved? These are crucial questions an organisation must ask itself. Some processes may already be set up for TQM, but nine times out of ten they will need to be altered. Of course, it is always best practices to periodically revisit all procedures and processes in order to remain up to date.