As we have shared in the past, Pentaflex’s two main goals are employee safety and product Quality Assurance. We take these two goals very seriously and are constantly striving to improve in any way we can for both. We recently sat down with Glenn James, Director of Quality at Pentaflex, to learn more about our dedication to Quality Assurance in everything we do.
Q: Can you please share more about the IATF-16949 certification and its importance in your industry?
A: IATF-16949 emphasizes the development of a process oriented quality management system that provides for continual improvement, defect prevention and reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain. Our goal is to meet customer requirements efficiently and effectively.
Q: What does the audit process entail for Pentaflex?
A: For us at Pentaflex, our IATF success relies on the accomplishment of our internal audit program. This internal audit program takes into account the complexity and significance of each process, prioritizing based on past performance, risk, and levels of performance.
These audits encompass our Quality Management System (QMS), each manufacturing process (Layered Process Auditing – LPA), and product audits. From these audits we strengthen our quality through the success of our corrective action system and following the principles of problem solving.
Q: What checks or measures do you have in place to ensure you will pass your audit when it comes up?
A: A successful audit is not about scrambling at the last minute, but rather sustainability. We take pride knowing our robust quality management system is successful 365 days a year and does not take a day off regardless of what situation is presented. From this principle, we can assure sustainability!
Q: What are ways Pentaflex is continuing to review and improve their processes to ensure quality?
A: At Pentaflex we like to implement creative ideas to ensure our quality is forever developing. The quality of a product is entirely about satisfying the customer’s expectations for the product.
We achieve this by:
- defining our quality standards from the customer’s perspective by giving the customer full buy-in during the entire production process,
- standardizing the work and creating a response plan,
- making sure we have the latest in machinery,
- improving traceability, and
- maintaining a culture that defines quality as a top priority.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
A: Our mission statement: “OUR MISSION IS to meet or exceed the requirements of our customers, employees, suppliers, and community through continuous improvement.” It is through this statement, our IATF success is defined.
To learn more about Quality Assurance at Pentaflex or to start brainstorming for your next project, please contact us today.