GSQA enables Lean Manufacturing's second principle — Assure Seamless Information Flow — by providing real-time information exchange across a number of critical supplier processes. These processes include specification management, non conformance management, purchase order communication, certificate of analysis management, audits and other supplier focused processes.
The second principle of lean manufacturing, Assure Seamless Information Flow, has been described as having the following goals, metrics and enabling practices:
Goal
"Provide processes for seamless and timely transfer of and access to pertinent information."
Metrics
Enabling Practices
GSQA enables manufacturers to implement this principle through its extensive functionality and proven workflow
GSQA is the gold standard to achieve seamless supplier information flow in lean organizations. GSQA collects, monitors and analyzes supplier quality information, allowing that information to be appropriately shared both inside and outside a manufacturer's organization.
The supplier information that GSQA securely distributes includes but is not limited to:
The supplier information that GSQA collects includes:
GSQA achieves each metric of Lean Manufacturing's principle of "Assure Seamless Information Flow".
Commonality of Databases
This is a resident GSQA functionality, as an Internet based
application. Both internal and external stakeholders collaborate and use information
from the same application, thereby working from a common database. GSQA
provides a common, collaborative platform for Material Specifications, Supplier
Corrective Actions, Supplier Material Quality Processes and a host of other
critical supplier quality activities. Client-server applications are not built
to extend this information to individuals outside the firewall.
Information Retrieval Time
GSQA provides instant access to both suppliers and internal
personnel from a single database. In a number of manufacturing operations,
individual data silos house much of the information required by both manufacturers
and suppliers to improve their processes. These silos include disconnected
spreadsheets or databases. In many cases, this information may be in a paper
form, completely unavailable for distribution and difficult to retrieve.
GSQA digitizes the processes that generate disconnected data silos, and connects them in a single location. GSQA also connects electronically to existing legacy systems, providing instant access to disparate information that resides in disconnected silos. As an Internet application, GSQA makes this available from any computer connected to the Internet, delivering instant access and retrieval from virtually anywhere in the world.
Information Sharing Between Customers and Suppliers
GSQA functions enable sharing information within the supplier
community. This includes specifications, audit results, material quality reports
and general supplier policies. By sharing this information, GSQA
promotes effective, immediate communication within the supplier community,
allowing issues to be raised and resolved quickly, eliminating surprises.
In addition to real time specification, audit results and material quality reports, GSQA enables sharing policies and procedures through its Library functionality. Suppliers always work from the same set of data as the manufacturer. Both suppliers and manufacturers share many of the reports that GSQA generates. These include:
GSQA supports the Enabling Processes of Lean Manufacturing's principle of "Assure Seamless Information Flow".
Make processes and flows visible to all stakeholders
GSQA supports collaboration for Material Specification, Supplier
Audits, Supplier Development, Supplier Contact Management and Supplier Non
Conformance. For each of these functions, GSQA has a robust
workflow that enables collaboration with stakeholders in both supplier and
internal organizations.
Establish open and timely communications, among all stakeholders
GSQA provides a process for the immediate communication of issues,
scorecards and other important supplier metrics. These include proactive alerts
for many statistical raw material conditions, notifications for supplier nonconformances
and ongoing audit and supplier certification reminders. These allow manufacturers
to maintain compliance with industry and federal regulations, such as TS 16949
and the Bioterrorism act. In addition, there is transparent communication
within the supplier community. Both parties are looking at the same information,
and, therefore, make decisions based on data rather than memory or gut instinct.
Link databases for key functions throughout the value chain
GSQA's EDI interface links a manufacturer to its suppliers electronically.
This simplifies data collection, allowing higher volume suppliers to enter
data automatically from their back end systems.
Minimize documentation while ensuring necessary data traceability and availability
For many manufacturers, GSQA eliminates a bevy of paper processes
while providing a significant amount of data visibility and traceability.
While this significantly improves productivity, being able to electronically
trace and make available COA, nonconformance, specification, purchase order,
scorecard, policies and procedures, and audits enables both suppliers and
manufacturers to make improvements rather than spending time trying to document
activities.