Key Requirements for Seamless Quality Processing – ERP to PLM to the Shop Floor

This blog is a MESA Member Point of View.

By Valérie Goulévitch – Head of Marketing and Communication at Siemens PLM Software,
Gold Keystone Member of MESA International.

Seamless quality processing… So where are your seams? When you look at non-computer-aided quality processes, the seams are everywhere. Not only across systems and the functions they support – for example, gaps across design and manufacturing (PLM), planning and demand (ERP), and manufacturing (MES) – but quality often is its own patch, so to speak, surrounded by seams.

   

In this type of environment, it is almost impossible to understand root cause of deviations, much less institute corrective and preventive actions, and have certainty that those actions are properly carried out. Continuous improvement and LEAN initiatives are hamstrung. Waste is obvious, but the causes are hard to find.

   

Truly advancing quality requires a shift in mindset, from compliance to the team sport of quality improvement. And, of course, a system that weaves together the fabric of the information infrastructure. There are some key requirements for that type of computer-aided quality system.

   

QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

First, your quality management system must be an integrated, bidirectional solution for the exchange of all relevant order data, and provide a smooth flow of information and alignment of master data. It must simplify the connection of complex measuring devices to reduce manual inspection and the associated costs. That is foundational to gaining visibility into product quality across production.

   

To identify the causes of waste, all relevant data across the production process must be accessible. And that data needs to be captured in a way that allows it to be acted upon for quality purposes. Visibility across the shop floor, and into ERP and PLM, is what drives the insight for results. With a seamless quality management system, you should be able to:

   

       • Reduce process times

       • Reduce quality and defect costs

       • Manage key performance indicators (KPI) and transparency for target decision support

       • Provide a single solution for production, quality and traceability management

       • Support lean management methodology 

       • Support corporate compliance

       • Leverage vulnerabilities analysis, best practice software solutions, implementation in the                      existing information technology (IT) environment and professional training of your                              employees.

   

When you have a quality management system that is truly seamless with ERP, PLM and the shop floor, you have real-time information on the state of your company’s production and quality. It becomes integral to the support of risk management. Full traceability allows you to check product history at the touch of a button, and optimize processes.