Every company experiences delays, mistakes, and problems related to customer orders, production, suppliers, shipping delays, and other customer-related matters. No company is perfect, but wise companies have built-in accountability and operating systems that help rectify problems and prevent them from reoccurrence. These systems ensure accountability, consistency and help manufacturers keep a record of them in an organized manner that is designed for efficiency and results.
While many smaller manufacturing companies may “wing it,” when it comes to problems that require corrective action for the customer, others maintain certification in an internationally recognized system of standards. ISO is a quality control system that meets global standards and helps customers, suppliers, and vendors. The qualification process is intentional and sets those willing to maintain certification apart for their willingness to improve, meet compliance and allow their customers to hold them accountable.
When a mistake or defect is detected it is documented and logged into the system. This will generate a formal document about what happened and prescribe corrective action. Let’s say it is a problem with a flexible film that is showing up in every 200 runs of trail bar wrappers. Through the system, the manufacturer can track down the film supplier, lots, inks, artwork and through a process of elimination identify the source of the problem whether it is an in-house issue like a worn machine in need of a subtle repair, or due to the quality of a specific supplier’s product. ISO allows companies to identify the source of a problem or issue, correct it and resume production to provide full customer satisfaction.
Century Printing and Packaging consistently reviews these reports through regular sales and management meetings in order to stay on top of quality issues, raise the bar on customer satisfaction and ISO compliance. The system provides peace of mind for identifying, reporting, and handling the inevitable problems that come through the manufacturing, printing, and packaging processes. When your company is dealing with a supplier that has a quality control system you can rest assured it is a company that is honest and upfront about them, but seeking to constantly improve their service and product quality.
By setting standards for quality and customer assurance we recognize there is a way to learn and grow from mistakes. Our system allows us to own mistakes quickly and find solutions while preventing future mistakes. At Century Printing and Packaging we are serious about quality and service. Striving for excellence is important to us and having systems in place to provide us with valuable information while achieving customer satisfaction is paramount.
Ben Waldrop
President
Century Printing & Packaging
Greer, SC 29651
800.344.7509
