Weekly Quality Topic: Improvement

At ABCO Automation, we are dedicated to upholding our quality policy. This week's focus is on the fundamental principle of improvement.

The Importance of Continual Improvement

Continual improvement is essential for maintaining the high standards of quality that our clients expect. By prioritizing improvement, we ensure that our products and services consistently meet and exceed customer expectations, adapting to changing needs and industry advancements.

Continual Improvement in Practice:

1. Identifying Non-Conformities: We systematically monitor processes to detect deviations from quality standards, enabling proactive issue resolution. Customer and stakeholder feedback is crucial for pinpointing specific non-conformities.

2. Eliminating Inefficiencies: Regularly reviewing and analyzing our processes helps us identify holdups and inefficiencies.

3. Measuring Results: Setting clear objectives and using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) allow us to track progress and assess the impact of changes. Regular performance reviews help identify trends and areas for further enhancement.

4. Implementing New Policies: Based on our findings, we develop new policies to address any gaps, ensuring consistent improvement across the organization. Comprehensive training and clear communication embed these improvements into daily operations.

Customer and stakeholder feedback aligns our processes with their expectations. At ABCO, improvement is continuous, enhancing operations and upholding our reputation for quality.

ABCO Automation’s quality department is lead by Willie Kea. Willie has spent a career in quality and manufacturing. His experience and certifications include:

• 10+ Yrs. Automotive Experience (Metal Stamping, PPAP, Control Plans, FMEA, APQP, ISO 9001, QS 9000, TS 16949, 8D, TQM, AS 9102 – First Article Inspections)
• 7 Yrs. Aerospace Experience (FAA Auditing, Training, commercial aircraft design, seating, galleys, monuments, etc., 14 CFR Part 21 trained)
• 25+ Yrs. Lean Manufacturing (Six Sigma Greenbelt, Kaizen Events, 6S, Lean Flow, Poke Yoke, Value Stream Mapping, PDCA, 5 WHY, DMAIC)
• 20+ Yrs. ISO (Certified Quality Auditor, Certified Quality Manager, 9001:2015 Standard, AS 9102)

If you would like to know how ABCO’s quality program can benefit you, please contact Willie at WillieK@goabco.com

About ABCO Automation

For nearly five decades, ABCO Automation has earned the trust of our customers as a go-to partner for Custom Automation Solutions, Robotic Automation, Contract Manufacturing, Standard Product Solutions and Engineering Services. An employee owned, North Carolina Based corporation, ABCO is driven by improving the profitability and quality of life for our customers and their teams through innovation and technology advancements. For more information, please contact ABCO Automation at media@goabco.com