Quality Management at EMC Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Quality Management at EMC - Research Paper Example Two aspects of process capability relates to: measuring the variability of the output of a process; and comparing that variability with a proposed specification or product tolerance level (Wikipedia 2011). The output of any process is expected to meet the requirements of customers’ specifications or product tolerances. Before process capability can be determined a survey needs to be carried out to determine customer specifications. The process should then be allowed to run several times to determine whether the process is stable. Statistical process control is used to test if a process is stable or unstable. If processes drift or shift significantly process capability indices are not applicable as they require statistical control. If the process is out of statistical control then capability does not mean anything as it only points to a general problem instead of being specific. There seems to be some knowledge of what the problem is at EMC and so process capability studies sho uld be possible. The plating and finishing process needs to be given close attention since the complaints relate to plastic insert falling out and sharp edges on the brackets. Last year there were 56 complaints; however, within four months of the current year there are 49 complaints. The fact is that no information is given in terms of how many products were manufactured last year or if the products that were found to be defective this year relates to last years production. Since there is some uncertainty there a number of process runs will be required in order to find out where the problem lies as there may be more problems than those that have been identified so far. Statistical control can be carried out to determine the measure of variability of each process. Statistical process control or control chart is a graph which is used to study how a process changes overtime (ASQ n.d.). If the process is stable then the mean and standard deviation can be reliably estimated. Process capa bility studies and statistical process control can be implemented by EMC but this has to start with management. They have to believe that a problem exists. Additionally, they have to have a specification that they require and this should be based on the customer requirements. The survey will assist management to determine which processes needs to be improved and which does not add value and therefore needs be eliminated. Quality improvements need to be a team effort and all employees at EMC need to be involved. The information from process capability studies and statistical control will indicate what level the firm is at. This can be translated into Sigma to determine how far the company is from achieving Six Sigma and ultimately zero defects. If EMC does not have persons who are qualified to coordinate the process then a consultant needs to be employed. A systematic approach has to be taken to solving the problem and as Deming suggests EMC needs to practice PDCA - Plan what is need ed; Do it; Check that it works; Act to correct any problems or improve performance (Business Balls n.d). Utilizing a Six Sigma Program A number of companies including Motorola and General Electric have utilized the Six Sigma program in their program to help improve their bottom line. This led to Motorola achieving the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in