People who make the product.
WHAT ROLES TYPICALLY EXIST
Machine operators Assembly and handling Quality control Maintenance Supervision Stores and logistics
WHY QUALITY CONTROL SHOULD BE SEPARATE
Operators checking their own output is a weak control.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Independent checking at defined points.
WHAT TO TRAIN
The process, exactly The quality standard Safety, before anything else What to do when something is wrong
WHY SAFETY FIRST
An untrained operator is a danger to themselves and others.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That nobody operates equipment before being trained and assessed.
WHAT TO RECORD
Training, by person and machine.
WHAT PAYMENT STRUCTURES EXIST
Fixed wage Wage plus production bonus Piece rate
WHAT PRODUCTION BONUSES DRIVE
Output.
WHAT THEY RISK
Quality sacrificed Safety shortcuts Guards removed
WHAT TO DO ABOUT THAT
Tie any bonus to good output, not gross output.
WHAT GOOD OUTPUT MEANS
Units meeting specification.
WHY
It aligns speed with correctness.
WHAT TO MEASURE
Output per shift Defect rate by shift and operator Downtime by shift
WHAT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SHIFTS REVEAL
Training, supervision or method differences.
WHAT DRIVES RETENTION
Correct and timely pay Safe conditions Equipment that works Respect
WHY EQUIPMENT MATTERS
Operators fighting unreliable machines leave.
