Daily Quality Topics - Need Ideas Please!

[Miner]

In my experience, employees are much more interested in where and how the product that they make is used. They can be so far separated from the customer that they don't understand what the product even does. This won't be true for some product, but other products can be rather mysterious. For example, a reversing valve for a heat pump, an ice switch for a soda machine, a drive, etc. They often know nothing about the customer or how the customer uses the product. I found that they were extremely interested in these things so they could take pride in their work and explain what they did to family.

 

[MSeibert47]

In my experience, employees are much more interested in where and how the product that they make is used. They can be so far separated from the customer that they don't understand what the product even does. This won't be true for some product, but other products can be rather mysterious. For example, a reversing valve for a heat pump, an ice switch for a soda machine, a drive, etc. They often know nothing about the customer or how the customer uses the product. I found that they were extremely interested in these things so they could take pride in their work and explain what they did to family.

The good news is, we make food! They know exactly what to do with it But yes, that is the underlying goal of the project, I want the team to have a quick and easy understanding of why quality principles are in play. Just something educational to get the brain working in between the larger and in depth training courses that are already established. Why a metal detectable pen? Why magnets and screens? Why label checks? Why do we use blue plastic bags? I already have a successful training program and QMS system, I really just want IDEAS so that I can create content.

 

[Johnnymo62]

I think the ASQ Certified Quality Improvement Associate body of knowledge may be a god place for ideas.

Quality Improvement Associate Certification - Get CQIA Certified | ASQ

 

[Miner]

The good news is, we make food! They know exactly what to do with it

Don't be too quick to assume. You mentioned dietary supplements. I suspect there are quite a few that do not know what each supplement does.

One thing that might be good to try and might be mutually beneficial. Each time, pick a small portion of the process that does 1 thing and ask the people what can/does go wrong and how could we fix it?

 

[Mike S.]

I second that going over real cases -- in your place or even in other places -- are often better remembered. Especially if personal injury or a lot of $ is involved.

 

[Tagin]

I want the team to have a quick and easy understanding of why quality principles are in play. Just something educational to get the brain working in between the larger and in depth training courses that are already established. Why a metal detectable pen? Why magnets and screens? Why label checks? Why do we use blue plastic bags? I already have a successful training program and QMS system, I really just want IDEAS so that I can create content.

If I were to do that, I think I would generally format it around the theme "How you contribute to quality". E.g.,:

• Thanks to your consistent use of a metal detectable pen risk of xyz is reduced/eliminated
• When you perform this QC check, you are making sure that no one will get spoiled food (or whatever)
• Thanks to your bringing to our attention the problems with xyz machine last month, you helped keep the line up.
• By performing this seemingly odd step, you are instrumental in keeping us compliant with this CFR regulation which has this important purpose

It could be themed around 'risk, risk' risk', but that may be too abstract/tedious.

 

[poh.s.lim]

In a food safety environment, personal hygiene may be a factor, right?

 

[Thee Bouyyy]

In a food safety environment, personal hygiene may be a factor, right?

Personal hygiene is an important element in food safety. Good personal hygiene habits go a long way with customers. Touching your eyes, mouth, nose, hair, or clothing, and then proceeding to touch food without washing your hands promotes the spread of that bacteria.

 

[poh.s.lim]

Personal hygiene is an important element in food safety. Good personal hygiene habits go a long way with customers. Touching your eyes, mouth, nose, hair, or clothing, and then proceeding to touch food without washing your hands promotes the spread of that bacteria.

Yes, and there have been jokes about food preparers or cooks spitting into the food they are about to serve to customers who have been nasty to them : D.