Quality management can prevent reactive recalls in the automotive industry

Quality management software is a necessary tool in the automotive industry, according to InfinityQS.

As Vauxhall launches it second round of recalls on over 230,000 Zafira B models, the car industry must start proactivaly assess quality management throughout every stage of the supply chain. Manufacturers expose themselves to expensive recalls by only taking steps reactively. 

Martyn Gill, Managing Director at InfinityQS Europe, said: “By using supply chain quality management software with real time functionality, automotive developers can review all parts installed in a car to ensure they meet strict criteria for installation. Time is money in any industry and being able to identify any problems in the supply chain in real time is incredibly advantageous. By having a software solution in place, users are provided with intelligence from the supply chain to help developers detect any faulty products.

“There must be a willingness to adopt new digital techniques within the automotive industry. Too many ‘travel documents’ – checklists for car builders – are paper based and therefore lack a synchronising feature with existing technology. By having a tablet or workstation PC, developers and builders can check, in real-time, the status of products and the overall supply chain.

“By being able to easily track batches and product suppliers, manufacturers will be able to review the inspection report to check for any inconsistencies. With a robust digital solution, the manufacturers can drill down into the electrical detail of the products to review for any faults. This ease of access to the electronic data can provide manufacturers with a clearer understanding of where the fault lies, either with the part itself or the design and build of the vehicle. In adopting such practices, it should significantly reduce the chances of incidents like those experienced by Vauxhall repeating itself,” concluded Gill.  

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