Case Study: Quality Production Ltd.

Quality Production Ltd (QPL) had been using a paper-based manufacturing system which became unsatisfactory for a number of reasons. The system was not an integrated solution, with word processing, spreadsheet, database and drawing functions each obtained from separate, standard PC software products. Combining these into a usable documentation package was very difficult and labor intensive. Document version control problems also arose during use. Additionally, extracting timely quality data presented substantial difficulties. In reviewing and considering improvements for this process, QPL identified and prioritized a number of requirements: Increased speed and accuracy in BOM scrubbing and creating documentation packages, better efficiency in communicating ECO information to the shop floor, reduced machine programming times, extraction of real time data to drive QPL’s quality improvement initiative, and implementation of these improvements within a completely paperless environment.

Quality Production Ltd (QPL) is an EMS provider specializing in turnkey manufacturing of high mix, high complexity and extremely reliable products for the military, avionics, industrial, medical and energy management markets. QPL works with all popular PCB, component, soldering and test technologies, and provides mechanical assembly, box build and packaging in addition to assembly. QPL had been using a paper-based manufacturing system which became unsatisfactory for a number of reasons. The system was not an integrated solution, with word processing, spreadsheet, database and drawing functions each obtained from separate, standard PC software products. Combining these into a usable documentation package was very difficult and labor intensive. Document version control problems also arose during use. Additionally, extracting timely quality data presented substantial difficulties.