{"id":16425,"date":"2024-11-19T10:00:43","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T09:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ezfactory.nl\/?p=16425"},"modified":"2026-04-13T10:14:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T09:14:15","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-tqm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ezfactory.nl\/en\/knowledge-base\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-tqm\/","title":{"rendered":"Total Quality Management (TQM): Improving business processes"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Why look at a problem multiple times when you can get it right the first time? Based on this principle, Total Quality Management brings a significant dose of efficiency and time savings to the organization. In this blog, we delve into the meaning of TQM and the benefits it brings to management.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is quality management?<\/span><\/h2>\n

When we hear the word ‘quality’, we often think of the quality of end products or services. However, quality management, also known as Total Quality Management or TQM, is about much more than that. Quality management focuses on the quality of the entire process. This process quality needs to be continuously improved by delivering higher quality at lower costs. Quality Management is a management concept that builds on other methodologies, such as the learning organization and <\/span>TPM<\/a> (Total Productive Maintenance). Quality management sets itself apart from these other methodologies by working on the principle of ‘getting everything right the first time’. By continually optimizing processes from the outset, organizations can save a lot of time by avoiding unnecessary corrections and implementations. For example, if TQM leads to the best quality, you may spend less time on service activities such as warranty repairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The main pillars of TQM<\/span><\/h2>\n

Implementing Total Quality Management in an organization can only be successful if all TQM pillars are carefully considered. The main TQM pillars are:<\/span><\/p>\n

Customer focus<\/span><\/h3>\n

Quality doesn’t stop at achieving a specific quality standard set by the organization itself. Ultimately, it’s the customer who determines whether the organization meets their quality criteria. Therefore, you don’t have to deliver the highest quality, but you must meet the expected quality requirements of the customer, all while minimizing costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Process focus<\/span><\/h3>\n

As mentioned earlier, TQM goes beyond product quality. The quality of the entire process is paramount. Therefore, focus on processes; both primary and supporting processes. The convergence of all processes creates the ultimate quality of the organization.<\/span><\/p>\n

Engaged employees<\/span><\/h3>\n

Without employees, there’s no direct input and continuous improvement. Engaged employees help in developing processes and thus have a significant impact on quality.<\/span><\/p>\n

Decision making and leadership<\/span><\/h3>\n

It is called Total Quality Management for a reason. Management plays a crucial role in TQM. In addition to words, real actions are needed to involve the rest of the organization in the principle of quality management. Making decisions based on (data-supported) facts rather than emotions is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n

Integration<\/span><\/h3>\n

Quality management assumes that all business processes influence each other. Integrating all business processes is therefore the only way to increase quality. TQM models, such as a proprietary quality system or ISO 9000, can help create insight and control.<\/span><\/p>\n

Doing it right the first time<\/span><\/h3>\n

The process should be organized in such a way that the result meets the standards the first time. This prevents corrective actions in the process or for the customer, reducing costs because corrections often entail unnecessary and relatively high costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Communication<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you adopt a TQM model, all stakeholders must be informed of updates. Communication is therefore the key to success. It’s important that communication aligns with the mission, vision, and objectives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Continuous improvement<\/span><\/h3>\n

The quality of an organization improves only when there’s a continuous flow of information within the company. Which actions have taken place? And have these led to the desired results? The PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) method can help create a clear overview.<\/span><\/p>\n

The benefits of TQM<\/span><\/h2>\n

Correctly implementing Total Quality Management in the organization is incredibly valuable. We have discussed many benefits of TQM in this blog, but let’s summarize them for you:<\/span><\/p>\n