We have already agreed to a months trial period, on one production line only, out of the four we have. I let them make their choice, by manipulating them to mine, which just happens to be the most visible to the customer at the moment.
My team are going to do snap inspections on 50% of the finished product on a daily basis and without giving them any warning. As a back-up I will continue my own inspection of vehicles that my inspectors sign-off. (my normal practice)So that gives a total of about 55%.
However, the sadistic side of me hopes that the failures get by us and to the dealerships. My QD has informed the MD that he will direct the dealers complaints to him as the Quality Department are no longer responsible for the failures, due to the "Top Management" decision. (As an aside, does Top Management mean C--P?)
I'm not one to give up easily and I've never met a long serving QA person who is. However, sometimes you need time to evaluate the opposition and recognise just how they can be turned into an ally. Our new MD is an X salesman and that is the key to the change - just need a little more time to figure him out fully that's all.
Anyway at least the Cove is an outlet for the frustrations that we face. It allows us to vent and then return to the grind and present a happy/resigned face.
