In today’s competitive economy, organizations are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and quality to help increase their bottom line. From Lean teachings, lean practitioners should strive to eliminate waste within all processes. By converting a Quality Management System to a LQMS (Lean Quality Management System) organizations can cut down on unnecessary documentation and workflows. Lean Systems can be maintained with less resources than a traditional QMS.
A Lean QMS cuts down the unnecessary documentation and workflows.
Looking Back
Earlier releases of ISO Standards required extensive manual documentation. The way in which records were kept and stored were indicative to the absence of today’s technological resources. The records created were complex in nature and could often get lost in-between departments.
Lean Systems can be maintained with less resources than a traditional QMS.
In Today’s World
As we look forward to reducing our costs and becoming agile, we can instill an LQMS Culture to drive change. Many industries utilize ERP and MRP systems to track product throughout the production cycle. With these newer systems in place we can automate processes such as reporting KPI’s and calculating metrics needed for an effective and agile LQMS. Lean Normalization creates synergy between Lean Thinking and Regulatory Standards such ISO 9001 and AS9100.
This synergistic process allows companies to be able to implement a Lean Quality Management System through six steps.
Documentary Muda- Only document the required
JIT Documentation- Right Documents at the Right Time and Place
Continuous Improvement Process- Seek Perfection
Due Quality- Application of the quality principles to the entire organization
Visual Communication- Creation of visual scorecards so it can be understood at-a-glance
LQMS Animation- Leveraging Human Resources to implement and carry on
Looking Forward
After implementing a LQMS, the efforts become immediately apparent. Traditional Quality Management Systems are focused on ensuring that products meet customer requirements. LQMS will show the products are being produced in an efficient manner while upholding quality standards.
With the advent of LQMS and horizontal organizational structures, implementing a visually managed LQMS that is integrated with the organization allows for process owners to be able to make direct impact. Quality Systems that are built visually will still meet regulatory requirements through implementation of SIPOC and Turtle Diagrams. These systems pave the way for One Page Quality Manuals and easy to follow processes.
Lean QMS assures the products are being produced in an efficient manner while upholding quality standards
Take Action
Lean is not only limited to manufacturing but can be applied to any aspect of business. Lean Quality Management Systems creates a positive synergy within an organization and encourages continuous improvement by nature. Reach out today to see how we can help you detangle your organizations QMS and transform it into a LQMS.