Kolaa Tech Case
What departments at Koala Tech have the most impact on quality? What role should each department play in helping Koala Tech improve overall quality?
Koala Tech purchasing department had the most impact on the quality, but all department had a role to play in the overall quality. Koala Tech introduction of the PFS 1000’s, a multi-function color printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine created a high demand which created a backlog. A report indicated that PFS 1000’s returns and complaints were four time higher than the industry rate. According to Meredith & Shafer, 2013, “when a tangible product is produced, quality is often measured in terms of defects”. Koala Tech decision to switch to a new supplier, their internal difficulty making printed
circuit boards for the PFS 1000’s slowed down the manufacturing process. Workers operation of machinery with no formal certification or training also contributed to overall lack of quality.
Each department should play a role in improving overall quality to help Koala Tech. The design and production departments have to work closer together to improve efficiency, thus reducing complaints and returns.
What recommendations would you make to Nancy concerning Koala Tech’s problem with quality? What role should quality assurance department play?
Koala Tech’s president wants to increase production, but address issues between engineer’s designers, manufacturers, plant manager, director of purchasing, shipping department, and supplier. The president should:
o conduct an investigation of operations and address identified issues
o a risk priority assigned to tasks and determines which corrective actions are needed
o redesign circuit cards w/input from manufacturing
o established a mandatory training and certification program
o establish control metrics to immediate identify problems and solutions
o identify desired outcomes
o improved quality control and inspect quality of production
Quality assurance department should work closer with purchasing department to ensure overall quality of the product.
Koala Tech purchasing department had the most impact on the quality, but all department had a role to play in the overall quality. Koala Tech introduction of the PFS 1000’s, a multi-function color printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine created a high demand which created a backlog. A report indicated that PFS 1000’s returns and complaints were four time higher than the industry rate. According to Meredith & Shafer, 2013, “when a tangible product is produced, quality is often measured in terms of defects”. Koala Tech decision to switch to a new supplier, their internal difficulty making printed
circuit boards for the PFS 1000’s slowed down the manufacturing process. Workers operation of machinery with no formal certification or training also contributed to overall lack of quality.
Each department should play a role in improving overall quality to help Koala Tech. The design and production departments have to work closer together to improve efficiency, thus reducing complaints and returns.
What recommendations would you make to Nancy concerning Koala Tech’s problem with quality? What role should quality assurance department play?
Koala Tech’s president wants to increase production, but address issues between engineer’s designers, manufacturers, plant manager, director of purchasing, shipping department, and supplier. The president should:
o conduct an investigation of operations and address identified issues
o a risk priority assigned to tasks and determines which corrective actions are needed
o redesign circuit cards w/input from manufacturing
o established a mandatory training and certification program
o establish control metrics to immediate identify problems and solutions
o identify desired outcomes
o improved quality control and inspect quality of production
Quality assurance department should work closer with purchasing department to ensure overall quality of the product.