NATM Launches Quality Management System Guide

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NATM Launches Quality Management System Guide

By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director

NATM’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan has three focus areas, including supporting industry companies by providing education and tools to improve general business practices. Within this scope, the Association sought to create a trailer manufacturingspecific Quality Management System Guide (QMS) with resources to help create or improve an existing QMS. NATM has long recommended its trailer manufacturing members establish and maintain a QMS as part of the Compliance Verification Program.

An effective QMS is an important piece of creating a sustainable, successful business. A QMS is a formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving objectives. Collectively, the system is intended to meet consumer demands, regulatory requirements, and instill a process of continuous improvement. A quality management system provides numerous benefits to a company, including but not limited to: • Process Repeatability • Warranty Reduction • Waste Reduction • Reducing Mistakes • Lowered Costs • Identification of Training Opportunities • Increased Staff Engagement • Improved Organizational Direction and Clarity of Purpose • Continuous Improvement • Reduction in Order Cycle Times • Improved Customer Satisfaction • Competitive Advantage • Improved Manufacturing Efficiencies

However, creating a Quality Management System can be a daunting task, especially for an already stretched-thin workforce. NATM’s newly launched resource guide breaks down the basics of an effective system, providing templates and samples for each step of the process. The guide breaks the process down into six steps:

• Identify Objectives/Goals • Define Core Processes • Identify Key Stakeholders and Leadership • Create Documentation • Create Necessary Protocols • Quality Policy Manual

While the guide is designed from creating a QMS from scratch, it is also a useful tool for companies looking to improve their own systems. Understanding the purpose of the QMS, involving stakeholders from top to bottom, and creating thorough documentation of processes, procedures, and protocols creates consistency, ensures continuous improvement, and create efficiencies while controlling costs, amongst other benefits. With a destabilized workforce, these systems can also function to support onboarding new employees and ensuring compliance with organizational protocols.

To access the Quality Management System Resource Guide, visit the online resource library at www.NATMShop.com.