Case Studies

Trouble-shooting

A major multi-national manufacturer of power tools found wide variance in the fit of plastic parts; the investigation included the material used, the supplier’s quality control, the fixing screws, and the capability of the pneumatic tools used in assembly. The result was a change in material and in the fixing method.

Quality Management

Over five months while a specialist vehicle manufacturer was recruiting a replacement Quality Manager, we held the reins and successfully guided them through the transition to ISO 9001:2000. We also reviewed manufacturing methods, and found several areas of cost-saving, worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Manufacturing

Working on behalf of Business Links throughout the West Midlands, we conducted reviews of many manufacturing companies, advising on simple ways to improve throughput and reduce costs.

Project Management

A major aerospace manufacturer had a customer requirement to increase output levels of a mature product. This involved external suppliers including a foundry, machine shops, and parts suppliers, as well as internal machining, assembly and test.

We took on the project planning, liaison with suppliers and the customer, re-organised internal schedules, and achieved a four-fold increase in output, in less than the planned thirteen weeks.

Training

An international company realised that its project managers had little training in controlling large capital projects, and – in conjunction with an associated company – we compiled and ran a training course for the project managers to help them to understand the planning process, and the controls available to avoid potential pitfalls.

Market Research

A company wanted to produce a spin-off of one of its products so that it could move into a new market sector. Before investing, it wished to evaluate the market potential, but without its competitors being aware of its interest.

We undertook the market research while our client remained anonymous.

Grant Support

A client was seeking ISO 9001:2000 certification while at the same time investing in major changes to their product lines. We found them two grants, one to support our own consultancy work on ISO 9001:2000, and the other to help with investment in product development. A third grant was also available had they needed it for capital investment.

Supplier Quality Assurance

We have worked with several clients in assessing their suppliers against our clients’ quality standards, and in trouble-shooting problems in supply and delivery.

If required, we can produce a quality standard against which all of your suppliers can be assessed, ensuring uniformity and objectivity.