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Quality Planning and Development:
- Develop and implement quality control plans and procedures to ensure that products or services meet customer requirements and industry standards.
- Collaborate with design and production teams to ensure quality standards are integrated into the design phase and throughout the manufacturing process.
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Process and Product Inspection:
- Conduct inspections of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to ensure that they meet quality standards.
- Use a variety of measurement tools and techniques, such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges, to check product specifications.
- Monitor production processes and identify areas where quality may be compromised, recommending corrective actions.
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Root Cause Analysis and Problem Solving:
- Analyze defects or issues in products, processes, or systems to identify the root cause.
- Apply problem-solving techniques such as the 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa), or Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to find the cause of quality problems and develop solutions.
- Work with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and prevent recurrence.
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Quality Audits and Compliance:
- Perform internal and external audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, industry best practices, and customer requirements.
- Maintain documentation of audits and non-compliance issues and follow up on corrective actions.
- Ensure adherence to quality management systems (QMS) such as ISO 9001 or Six Sigma methodologies.
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Data Collection and Analysis:
- Collect and analyze quality data (e.g., defect rates, customer complaints, process variations) to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Create reports summarizing quality metrics and performance, and present findings to management.
- Use statistical methods and software (e.g., SPC, Minitab, Excel) to analyze data and make informed decisions.
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Continuous Improvement Initiatives:
- Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve overall product quality.
- Work with other departments (engineering, manufacturing, etc.) to implement process improvements and quality enhancements.
- Monitor the effectiveness of quality improvements and make adjustments as necessary.
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Supplier and Vendor Quality Management:
- Evaluate and monitor the quality of materials and components from suppliers to ensure they meet specifications and standards.
- Conduct supplier audits and collaborate with vendors to resolve quality issues or improve product quality.
- Establish quality criteria for new suppliers and maintain strong relationships to ensure ongoing quality.
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Training and Support:
- Provide training to employees on quality standards, procedures, and best practices.
- Educate staff on quality tools and techniques, such as statistical process control (SPC), root cause analysis, and corrective action procedures.
- Offer support to production teams in the implementation of quality standards and problem-solving processes.
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Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain detailed records of inspections, tests, audits, and quality control activities.
- Generate reports on quality performance, trends, and non-conformance issues, and present these to management or customers.