Latest news with #QualityControl
Fast Company
10-07-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Good business under pressure: Why quality must always matter
Economic uncertainty is nothing new, but for manufacturers, the stakes are amplified by the sheer complexity of producing goods, sourcing materials, managing supply chains, and maintaining competitive cost structures. Whether it's tariffs and trade policy, changing regulatory requirements, or new geopolitical tensions, external conditions can shift suddenly, making an already intricate business even harder to navigate. In these moments, organizations often look inward to control what they can. Budgets are scrutinized. Processes are streamlined. Resources are reallocated. But one thing that should never be compromised—no matter the pressure—is quality. When margins are tight and uncertainty looms, the cost of poor quality can be particularly damaging. Quality lapses—such as product defects, process inefficiencies, or material waste—don't just impact production numbers. They can compromise safety, risk non-compliance, erode customer trust, and cause lasting damage to a brand's reputation. In highly regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and consumer goods, poor quality can mean more than lost profits—it can mean safety violations, recalls, or even threats to public health. When businesses respond to external stress by cutting corners, the hidden costs compound quickly. QUALITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY Manufacturing companies that take quality seriously know it's not the responsibility of a single team. While quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are essential functions, real operational excellence is achieved when quality becomes part of the organizational DNA. Everyone—from IT and engineering to operations, procurement, and frontline supervisors—has a role to play in maintaining and improving quality. Problems don't always originate where they're detected. The right quality mindset enables companies to trace issues to their root causes and solve them systemically. But a shared commitment to quality doesn't happen automatically. It requires leadership to create a culture of continuous improvement—one that rewards attention to detail, values learning, and ensures teams have the right tools and processes to prevent problems before they escalate. BUILD STRATEGY AROUND OUTCOMES A common pitfall in quality management is letting tools drive the strategy, rather than defining business outcomes first. With so many models and technologies available—statistical process control, digital quality management systems (QMS), MES-integrated quality workflows—it's easy to become enamored with capabilities before clarifying what you're trying to achieve. Instead, manufacturers should first define their desired outcomes. Are you trying to reduce rework? Improve yield? Ensure regulatory compliance? Reduce material waste? Improve customer satisfaction? When goals are clearly articulated, it becomes easier to evaluate which tools and approaches will best support those goals. It also keeps organizations grounded in practical value, minimizing the risk of implementing overly complex or poorly adopted systems that solve the wrong problem. PROCESSES FIRST, THEN TOOLS Technology plays a critical role in modern quality management, but it's only as effective as the processes and expectations around it. Without clearly defined workflows and accountability structures, even the most advanced quality system will fall short. The goal should be to combine strong processes with enabling technologies—such as real-time monitoring, integrated traceability, and exception-based alerts—so that teams can detect and correct quality issues before they result in downstream impact. Technology should augment human decision-making, not replace it. For example, visual inspections on the shop floor can be enhanced with automated data capture, predictive alerts, and trend analysis. When teams have better context, they make better decisions. But that requires both the data and the discipline to act on it consistently. CONSISTENCY BUILDS CONFIDENCE When quality is well managed, the benefits are tangible. Manufacturing becomes more predictable. Resources are used more effectively. Operators and engineers gain confidence in their systems, reducing stress and improving morale. That confidence extends to customers as well. In competitive markets, reputation matters, and consistent quality is one of the clearest signals of operational excellence. Conversely, when products fail to meet expectations, trust erodes quickly. The right quality program also improves resilience. Manufacturers can't control macroeconomic or geopolitical disruptions, but they can ensure that the parts of the business they do control—like execution, output, and compliance—are operating at their best. CONTINUOUS, NOT STATIC Too often, quality management is treated as a compliance box to check or a one-time project. But like safety and innovation, quality must be continuously pursued. Processes should be evaluated regularly. KPIs should evolve with the business. Teams should be encouraged to identify inefficiencies and share solutions. Manufacturers that do this well don't see quality as a defensive measure—they see it as a competitive differentiator. It enables them to scale efficiently, launch products faster, and reduce total cost of ownership across their operations. The manufacturing world will always face external pressure—from new regulations to cost fluctuations to customer demands. But quality is one of the few levers leaders can fully control. Investing in quality, even under pressure, is not about perfection; it's about preparedness. It's a mindset that says: 'No matter what happens around us, we will not compromise on what we can do best.'
Malay Mail
03-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Biben Unveils Summer Savings from Now until July: Elevating Brands with Custom Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags
Eco-Friendly Materials : Options such as lightweight Tyvek, biodegradable kraft paper, luxurious felt, and other sustainable materials ensure a variety of styles and textures to suit different needs. : Options such as lightweight Tyvek, biodegradable kraft paper, luxurious felt, and other sustainable materials ensure a variety of styles and textures to suit different needs. Customizable Designs : Advanced production capabilities, including screen printing, hot stamping, digital printing, and embroidery, bring every branding vision to life. : Advanced production capabilities, including screen printing, hot stamping, digital printing, and embroidery, bring every branding vision to life. Low Minimum Order Quantities: With MOQs starting at just 500 pieces, the company ensures accessibility to businesses of all sizes. Free Design and Layout Support : Clients are provided with free artwork previews prior to production, ensuring clarity and alignment with brand requirements. : Clients are provided with free artwork previews prior to production, ensuring clarity and alignment with brand requirements. Stringent Quality Control : From material selection to final stitching, every step of the manufacturing process is closely monitored to guarantee high standards. : From material selection to final stitching, every step of the manufacturing process is closely monitored to guarantee high standards. Global Shipping Solutions: Flexible logistics options, including air, courier, and ocean freight, make it easy for orders to reach clients worldwide. Offer Period : Now – July 5, 2025 : Now – July 5, 2025 Discount : $100 OFF on any order over $3000 : $100 OFF on any order over $3000 How to Claim: Visit or email [email protected] to request a free quote. ZHEJIANG, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 June 2025 - This summer, Biben, a global leader inmanufacturing, has announced an exclusive promotion to support businesses in adopting sustainable packaging solutions. From, the company is offering a, providing an opportunity for brands to incorporate eco-friendly packaging without exceeding their tandem with this promotion, Biben is introducing its newly published guide, Custom Shopping Bags – Find the Perfect Customized Bag for Your Business , providing businesses with comprehensive insights into choosing the perfect bag to represent their brand. The guide covers material options, design styles, and customization tips to help businesses make informed decisions about their packaging increasing shift toward environmentally friendly packaging is shaping how businesses present their products. Biben provides a wide range of eco-friendly materials such as, and, allowing brands to align their packaging with their values. Each product is designed to reflect quality and sustainability while maintaining a strong focus on features of Biben's offerings include:These products are more than just bags—they represent a commitment to sustainability and thoughtful has established itself as a reliable partner for businesses worldwide, offeringthat serve as both functional packaging and effective branding tools. Over a decade of experience in the industry has allowed the company to develop a range of services that prioritize quality and convenience:With packaging playing an increasingly important role in brand identity, Biben's custom eco-friendly bags provide businesses with an opportunity to enhance their presentation while contributing to sustainability efforts. The summer promotion offers an ideal time to invest in high-quality, branded packaging solutions that align with modern consumer promotion ends on, providing a limited window for businesses to take advantage of the #Biben The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Biben Founded in 2015, Biben is a leading manufacturer of custom eco-friendly shopping bags, based in Zhejiang, China. The company offers a comprehensive range of materials, designs, and branding solutions tailored to the unique needs of businesses across industries. With expertise in materials such as Tyvek, cotton canvas, and washable kraft paper, Biben supports businesses in creating sustainable and visually appealing packaging. For more information, visit
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India tightens safety norms to curb low-quality Chinese appliance imports, boost local manufacturing
Kolkata: The government is pushing ahead with measures to curb imports of small consumer appliances and electronic lifestyle items from China by unveiling new stricter product safety norms . This follows recent discovery of poor quality electronic appliances sourced from India's northern neighbour. Products such as electrical recliners and furniture, whirlpool bath and spas, electric toilet products, electrically-operated cloth dryers and towel rails, electric beauty products-which run on electricity or battery-will now have to sport the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark showing that they meet enhanced safety norms. The government's aim is also to push Indian industry to enhance local production. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the ministry of commerce and industry issued a gazette order on May 19 titled, 'Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025', applicable to all electrical appliances for household, commercial or similar application, including battery-operated appliances. The order is effective March 19, 2026. ET has reviewed a copy of the order. Industry executives said the government order follows recent raids by BIS, which found poor quality products sold in the market, including in warehouses of leading online retailers. They said since this is a quality control order, the government has also given a nudge to the industry to start local manufacturing of these consumer products, and build a supply chain similar to other products under BIS quality control orders like footwear, toys and AC. At present, most small appliances are imported. "It's a welcome move as it will attract much needed investment into the local manufacturing ecosystem for small domestic appliances which is in line with an 'Atmanirbhar' appliances industry," said Salil Kapoor, chief evangelist at industry body India Cellular and Electronics Association. "It will also benefit consumers in a big way due to standardisation of specifications and quality of small appliances which has become the need of the hour," he said. Till now, about 23 electrical products were covered under quality control orders. It includes mixer grinders, ceiling fans, geysers, washing machines, microwave ovens, and induction stoves. The current order has separate implementation for companies - large companies will have to comply starting March 19, 2026, small enterprises from June 19, 2026, and micro enterprises from September 19, 2026. While all electronic products have to meet the safety norms, the gazette also gave an illustrative list of products. This includes electrical shavers, hair clippers, electrical frying pans and steam cookers, insect killers, coffee makers, electric can opener, electric citrus fruit squeezer and eggbeater, outdoor barbecues, battery operated products like massagers, foot warmer, heating pad, toothbrush and shavers. An executive with a leading electronic contract manufacturer said many electrical products sourced from China failed to meet quality and safety norms in the West. They were also not produced as per the laid down specifications. "The order will help to weed out all these products from the Indian market," he said.
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Centre extends timeline for QCO implementation till March 19, 2026
New Delhi: The government on Tuesday extended the implementation timeline for the safety of household, commercial and similar electrical appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025. To enable ease of doing business, the QCO will now come into force from March 19, 2026, for domestic large and medium enterprises as well as for foreign manufacturers. The decision by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) follows stakeholder consultations chaired by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. "In line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to establish a strong quality framework across industries, DPIIT has been actively notifying Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to enhance manufacturing standards and bolster the global reputation of 'Made in India' products," the ministry said. These efforts are complemented by the development of testing infrastructure, product manuals, and accreditation of testing laboratories. Taking cognisance of industry concerns regarding implementation challenges and legacy stock, the DPIIT notified the revised Quality Control Order on May 19. The QCO applies to all electrical appliances intended for household, commercial, or similar applications with rated voltage not exceeding 250V for single-phase appliances and 480V for others, including DC-supplied and battery-operated appliances. Appliances already covered under separate QCOs or existing mandatory BIS certification requirements are excluded from its ambit. Further, the QCO incorporates several key relaxations and exemptions, like additional time for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), which is a six-month extension for micro enterprises and a three-month extension for small enterprises. It also offers exemption for imports by domestic manufacturers for producing export-oriented products; exemption for import of up to 200 units for research and development purposes; and provision for clearance of legacy stock (manufactured or imported before implementation) within six months from the effective date. The QCO is a critical step in restricting the import of sub-standard products and ensuring consumer safety, while also enhancing the competitiveness of Indian industry. Through initiatives like these, the government is striving to create a world-class, self-reliant manufacturing ecosystem under the vision of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat." 'QCOs reflect a strategic push to raise product standards in India, enabling Indian manufacturers to thrive in both domestic and international markets,' said the ministry.
