Material Qualification Process Improvement to Reduce the Cycle Time

Abstract

This project was focused in improving the material qualification process, reducing the cycle time. A Documentation Checklist and Tracking Sheet System were created as part of the improvements. The Documentation Checklist is a checklist to request all the information required from the vendor and the company to complete all the material qualification documentation. The Tracking Sheet System is to know the status of the material qualification activities. The improvements were made using a combination of DMAIC and Kaizen methodologies. DMAIC is an acronym for a series of step used to measure defects in business process and improve profitability. DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. DMAIC is a data-driven quality strategy used to improve process. In the other hand, Kaizen means continuous improvement. There are five fundamental Kaizen principles: know your customer, let it flow, go to Gemba, Empower People, and be transparent [1]. Key words ⎯ DMAIC, Improvement, Kaizen, Material Qualification.