I still remember it, it was 1997 and the company had just hung a new projector from the ceiling. As with every new tool, I jumped on the bandwagon and switched from slides to using the PC and projector to show my presentation. Unfortunately, Murphy was in the meeting too and my presentation along with other managers like me, did not work. I will never forget Mr. Gil, who rests in peace, when he said, “Ha, ha, ha. What is this technology good for? Technology is not always good. Look at it, look at how much time you are spending...it doesn't work.” Those are the last words I remember from him—laughing about us trying to use computer projectors.

Fast-forward ten plus years: transparencies are nowhere to be seen, computer projectors are the norm. Most of them are portable—small, miniature things compared to the old ones. Electronic systems killed the paper-based systems. And so I ask myself: Why are there still people using paper based corrective and preventive action systems? Electronic systems are so much better! 

If you have ever found equipment that is out of calibration, then you know it is not something to take lightly. Whether you manufacture children’s toys or automobile tires, you know that the implications and ramifications of the decisions you make, can be devastating for your company. Although the requirements from the ISO 9001 standard in regards to equipment found out of calibration are simple and succinct, make no mistake that this is not something to take for granted. If you ensure that the processes for handling non-conforming equipment is in place and if you take into considerations the steps provided below, you will be ready to handle and perhaps be able to avoid out-of calibration conditions.

This article was published by Quality Digest on 10/05/2009.

This article was published on the November 2009 edition of the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG)'s Standard and Tools Newsletter.

One difficult task of many companies is the ability to instill in its employees the mindset of error or problem prevention in order to prevent problems or mistakes from happening and to improve the processes in place. This consequently translates into a low to none ratio of preventive actions against corrective actions issued which may raise an alarm flag that your preventive action is weak. So how can a company boost the number of preventive actions and increase awareness in problem prevention and continual improvement?