The automotive industry faces inherent operational and financial risks, primarily in the form of recalls and the expensive lawsuits that inevitably follow. Over the past decade, numerouscar manufacturers have been affected by high-profile recalls that have impacted their bottom line and reputation in the industry. For example, from 2005 to 2010, Toyota recalled 9 million cars due to faulty removable floor mats that wedgedthe accelerator into position. In 2002, Ford issued a recall for 7.9 million cars due to a defective ignition module.
The risks associated with these recalls are substantial, but an effective automotive quality control process can help mitigate them. In the automotive industry, quality control ensures that nothing defective ever reaches the consumer. It means that each part has zero defects, is fit for its intended purpose, and is built to ensure customersatisfaction, security, and reliability.
With that said, here are two key ways car manufacturers can improve the quality control process and protect themselves from the considerable risks facing the industry.
Create a culture focused on quality
Improving the automotive quality control process is a company-wide initiative that requires input from every level – from executive management to the manufacturing floor. Because abnormalities or inefficiencies in the manufacturing process contribute to the risk of recalls, it’s important that employees on the front lines feel secure enough in their jobs to point out potential issues and make suggestions to improve quality and safety standards.
Embrace technology that can ensure quality control.
Technology plays a critical role in the quality control process because it ensures precision as efficiently and consistently as possible. For example, a portable coordinate measuring machine (PCMM) confirms that all parts meet safety and quality standards, so nothing but the highest-quality components are approved to leave the facility. This drastically reduces the company’s risk of defects, product unreliability, customer dissatisfaction and, of course, recalls.
By implementing a culture of quality and embracing technological advancements that support the initiative, car manufacturers can mitigate the risks associated with high-profile recalls and protect themselves against non-compliance and legal issues.
Want to learn more about improving your organization’s automotive quality control process to mitigate risk? Check out our Johnson Controls case study, which outlines how implementing a portable CMM arm transformed one company’s quality control process.
