The right quality management software can help manufacturing businesses of all sizes deliver consistent quality and comply with good manufacturing practices.
In this article, we outline what a quality management system (QMS) is and its potential business benefits. We also outline the functions of quality management software and what to consider when choosing a QMS.
Quality management software for manufacturers
In manufacturing, effective quality management software helps ensure that all parts of the business work together in ways that make it possible to control and improve processes, reduce and mitigate risk, and achieve the business’ goals.
What is a QMS?
A QMS is a formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives. It is literally the connection and interaction of people, processes, and documentation within an organization.
It helps coordinate and direct a manufacturing business’ activities to meet customer and regulatory requirements, and improve its effectiveness and efficiency on a continuous basis.
Business benefits for manufacturers
A documented QMS brings many benefits to manufacturing businesses. Firstly, it promotes customer focus and helps manufacturers meet customers’ requirements.
This builds confidence in a product and brand, which leads to more sales, customers, and repeat business.
It also helps manufacturing businesses meet their regulatory requirements, which ensures compliance and provision of products and services in the most cost and resource-efficient manner, which improves the bottom line. This leads to innovation, expansion, growth and profit.
Other benefits include:
- defining, improving, and controlling processes
- reducing waste
- preventing mistakes
- lowering costs
- identifying and facilitating training opportunities
- engaging staff
- setting organization-wide direction and supporting business leadership
- communicating a readiness to produce consistent results.
Functions of quality management software
Your manufacturing business’ specific needs for a QMS may differ slightly to other businesses. However, there are basic functions that quality management software provides for manufacturing businesses that you should consider.
1. Compliance with quality standards and good manufacturing practices
With an integrated QMS, quality and compliance merge. Quality standards and good manufacturing practices become aligned and compliance is simplified.
2. Risk management for manufacturers
Quality management software simplifies risk management for manufacturing businesses. It records and monitors risk using a centralized, cloud-based platform. Automated notifications and workflows assign and track mitigation tasks, and benefit from up-to-date risk analytics.
3. Non-conformance management for manufacturers
Non-conformance management software helps manufacturing businesses address quality problems in a product systematically. This avoids expensive rework or product recall.
Non-conformance management software ensures that every non-conformance is properly recorded and addressed. It helps businesses comply with standards and drive improvements.
4. Document control and auditing management
Cloud-based software makes document control easy, consistent, and cost-effective. It saves times, eliminates mistakes and makes it much easier to comply with ISO 9001 and other standards.
Auditing is automated, streamlined and much simpler. Manufacturing businesses can plan, conduct, and pass internal and external audits more easily. Built-in features ensure auditing and compliance issues are reliably resolved.
5. Corrective and preventive action in manufacturing
Quality management software automates workflows and notifications to ensure that corrective actions are implemented. Your manufacturing business always has up-to-date and complete records.
CAPA software capabilities should be built in throughout quality management functions.
What to consider when choosing a QMS
An effective QMS can help a manufacturing business swiftly deliver high quality products within a complex environment. But the QMS must match your business’ needs.
Important functionality
Functionality is the most important driver when selecting a quality management system. Ensure the software aligns with your company’s needs and goals.
Considerations for small to medium manufacturers
Small to medium manufacturers that may not have a quality department must consider other drivers, including:
- price
- ease of installation
- ease of use
- flexibility
- integration capabilities.
isoTracker’s quality management software for manufacturing businesses
At isoTracker, we offer modular, cloud-based quality management software for manufacturing businesses.
The software massively simplifies the process of implementing and formalizing a quality-focused culture, through all stages and processes of manufacture. It is also designed specifically to aid compliance with ISO standards and manufacturing practices.
Our QMS includes a document control module, as well as complaints management, audit management, and training modules, with built-in CAPA capabilities.
The modules can stand alone or work as an integrated system. Sign up for a free 60-day trial of isoTracker’s quality management software for manufacturing businesses or contact us to discuss your needs.
