All about using TQM

One of the most popular manufacturing methods is known as Total Quality Management (TQM).This method is used to manage quality within manufacturing businesses. Total Quality Management has been around for several years and has been shown to be highly successful when applied to the process of manufacturing. Total Quality Management came about when manufacturing businesses began to see how important it was to take into account their customers needs. This lead them to find ways that would improve the effectiveness of their products, make them more competitive, efficient and even flexible. For manufacturers who want to improve and manage the quality control within their production they turn to TQM.

It must be stressed that Total Quality Management is not a temporary process. In order for it to be effective is must be implemented into the production process as a permanent measure. When manufacturers put TQM in place they are taking responsibility to increase their customer's satisfaction through meeting their requirements and needs.

The first step to putting TQM in place is to have a clear definition of it. Manufacturing businesses find that they can increase the quality of their production by adhering to the following steps. These steps are-
- Total-This means that Total Quality Management must be used by everyone for everything that is done within the business.
- Quality-This means that all tasks are done with the idea of conforming to the needs of the customers.
- Management-This step insures that everyone is trained to understand that quality is tangible and can (and must), be managed.
There are many different benefits for manufacturers who choose to use TQM. Some of these benefits include but are not limited to: improved employee training, cost reductions in products and services, and a reduction in the overall time for production. Total Quality Management can also help to reduce the other types of problems that can occur within a manufacturing company.

It cannot be stressed enough how important the management function of TQM is. If you want Total Quality Management to succeed it is crucial that the best management be put in charge of the process. You will need employees who will be willing to make TQM a priority since this is not a process that can be ignored. They will need to be interested in how they can constantly be improving it. This process works best when there are goals that are established that are both achievable and measureable. Some of these goals can be defined by using the following questions-
- How can the manufacturing process that we use be defined?
- What will be the most important performance indictors to use?
- What problems do we see in the manufacturing process?
- How can we improve communications between the departments?
It is important to keep in mind that any manufacturer that is using TQM is doing so to improve their quality, while still focusing on cost reduction. Users of TQM report that one of the major benefits is that it focuses on retaining customers. This is important since studies show that most of the sales (for any business), come from repeat customers. While it is important that any business focus on gaining new customers through their marketing, successful businesses will focus on getting their existing customers to come back and buy more from them. By using Total Quality Management you can show your customers how you are being able to reduce your prices while still providing them with a high quality product.

It can also be helpful to get feedback from your customers. Not only does this let them know that you value their input but it gives you insight into how to structure your Total Quality Management. Simply by sending out a survey you can gain free information that can help to make your production process a lot better. Keep in mind that you may need to offer an incentive in order to get your customers to fill them out.