1. Define Quality Standards

    Set clear, measurable quality criteria based on:

     -  Customer requirements

     -  Industry regulations

     -  Internal goals (e.g. durability, usability, performance)

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2. Design for Quality

     Build quality into the design phase, not just inspection at the end.

     Use tools like:

       -  Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

       -  Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

       -  Design Thinking (user needs first)

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3. Use Quality Inputs

       Ensure raw materials, components, and suppliers meet quality
       standards.

       Establish supplier audits and quality agreements.

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4. Standardise Processes

       Use clear instructions, checklists, and automation to reduce variation.

       Apply Lean or Six Sigma principles to improve consistency and
       eliminate waste

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  5. Test and Inspect

       Use in-line testing, quality control (QC), and quality assurance (QA)
       throughout the process. Perform functional, performance, and stress
       testing (manual and automated).

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6. Monitor & Measure

        Track quality metrics like:

        -  Defect rate

        -  First-pass yield

        -  Customer complaints/returns

        -  Product reliability over time

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7. Gather Customer Feedback  

         Continuously monitor usage, issues, and satisfaction after release.

         Use reviews, surveys, and support tickets as quality input.

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8. Continuously Improve

          Analyse root causes of quality issues (e.g., with 5 Whys or Pareto
          analysis). Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).​

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9. Train and Empower Teams

          Make quality everyone’s responsibility — from leadership to
          production to support.
          Provide regular training and encourage a quality culture.

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