Quality Control faces some headwinds due to the government’s newly issued Quality Control Orders. They aim to standardize products, improve their quality standards, and restrict the dumping of cheap goods. However, this also means brands and production agencies must invest and innovate in their quality control.
Failing to comply with quality standards can be harmful to the furniture industry in the following ways:
1. Damage to brand reputation
Increased product recalls disrupt the backward supply chain. Returned products are harmful in the short term in terms of revenue and damage the brand’s image in the long run. People will lose trust in the brand leading to a reduction in future sales.
2. Inventory clutter
Products failing to meet quality standards will pile up in the warehouse. To reduce this dead inventory, discounted sales are the only way that can hamper your bottom line. Storing excessive inventory will lead to overruns in the budget as well.
3. Shifting production process
Your production and quality control processes need to be agile and adapt to new norms. This will involve collecting data, finding loopholes, and training the employees using effective quality management systems.
What are common Quality Management Issues?
Supplier Issues
Furniture quality is heavily dependent on raw material suppliers. Supply chain issues such as natural disasters, increases in prices, and changes in policies such as sustainability laws can cause disruptions in the steady supply of materials. Communication gaps can create inconsistency in material quality and waiting for a fresh batch can disrupt your production drastically.
Build and quality issues
Issues in joints, structures, and longevity are caused by poor manufacturing processes. Using subpar joining materials, incorrect measurements and missing parts can harm the structural integrity of the product. Products may get sold as problems are not immediately evident but can warp or collapse later. Sometimes materials may not be cut correctly, and have jagged edges which can even cause injuries.
Finishing Issues
Scratches and uneven surfaces are caused due to inappropriate finishing. Paint may not adhere to the surface and start peeling off when the temperature changes. These issues, which may not directly impact the integrity of the structure, become an eyesore in display and showrooms. Since furniture is the focus of interior design, any flaws in the product can lead to customer rejection.
How to fix quality issues?
Do stringent tests and document: Use several physical tests such as tensile strength, fire resistance, and functionality tests to ensure the product is built to last. Document defects using QMS software systems so you do not miss out on them in the future.
Create a dedicated supplier base: Create long-term relationships with suppliers in multiple regions so you will have a backup in case your supplier fails to deliver. Communicate with them continuously using quality management systems like Lookover to keep track of the quality of their supply. Give continuous feedback when you inspect the incoming lot.
Automate and elevate: Add QMS software systems that will alert everyone when a task is assigned to them. Automated follow-ups and alerts help everyone stay on the same page regarding quality control. Automated dimension verification in the tool helps you verify specific measurements, ensuring the structural integrity of the final goods.
Keep track and analyze: Create customizable QC checklists in your QMS software to standardize processes like finishing, painting, and varnishing. Use the upload option of high-resolution images to streamline communication between various departments.
Lookover is a quality management system software that integrates smoothly with your existing systems and has the shortest learning curve among QMS software in the market. Deploy immediately and elevate your quality control game!