Investigating Method of Non-Conformities in Producer Goods Companies

- Proposal of Hidden Flaws in Producer Goods –

Abstract

This paper examines methods to determine the causes of non-conformities when producer goods, especially production equipment, are used. For non-conformities which exist over the equipment manufacturer and the user company, this study presents a investigating method of quality problems based on two concepts: ‘causal factors’ and ‘developmental factors’. Furthermore, ‘hidden flaws’ are proposed, which is the concept to recognize in the positive manner the occurrence of nonconformities as a deficiency in the competence of the equipment manufacturing company and to enable the proactive investigation of the root cause under the top management. Finally, the proposed method is applied to actual several cases of non-conformities that were thought to be difficult to solve, and it is clarified that certain results were obtained.