TQM Tools/Techniques

To implement TQM following techniques are used:-

1. Benchmarking:- It is a continuous process. It implies measurement of the gap between the practices of two companies so as to uncover significant differences. It can be applied to products, services, practices, processes and methods. Thus, it is a systematic investigation, and learning experience which ensures that the best of industry practices are uncovered, analyzed, adopted and implanted. The steps of benchmarking are:- 1) identifying benchmarking candidates, 2) identifying best competitors, 3) collecting data, 4) finding the gap, 5) projecting the future performance, 6) communicating benchmark findings, 7) establishing functional goals, 8) developing action plans, 9) implanting plans, 10) recalibrating benchmark’s attaining leadership position and 11) integrating into process.
2. Quality circles:- It is a small group of employees who meet periodically to identify, analyze and solve quality and other work related problems in their area. The main feature of quality circle are:-

a. Voluntary Group;

b.Manageable size;

c. Regular meetings;

1. Own agenda;

e. Exclusive focus on quality.

The important objectives of quality circles are:-

a. To improve quality of service/product.

b.To meet the psychological needs of workers.

c. To utilize human talent, skills and knowledge relating to work ares.

1. To improve the quality of working life.

e. To promote better understanding and thereby create cordial industrial relations.

1. Empowerment:- It is the authority to take decision within one’s area of operation without having to get approval from anyone else. The operatives are encouraged to use their initiative to do things the way they like. Thus, empowerment means giving the employees the authority to make decision and providing them with financial resources to implement these decisions.
2. Outsourcing:- The contracting out of a company’s in-house function, to a preferred vendor with a high-quality level in a particular task area, is known as outsourcing. By this an organization can save costs on employee benefits and free existing personnel for other duties.
3. Reduced cycle time:- cycle time refers to the steps taken to complete a company process. It involves removal of unnecessary steps in the process and acceleration of activities into the shorter time frame.