When something goes wrong in the manufacturing process, quality managers are typically the first to face criticism.
Quality managers often have to oversee multiple plants in different regions using paper checklists, spreadsheets, and separate software systems.
On-premise systems quickly become outdated and inefficient, and a lack of integrated visibility prevents quality managers from identifying production issues and improving operational efficiency.
A cloud-based QMS lets you monitor each plant's performance in real-time from one dashboard, immediate alerts to any deviations in the manufacturing process, and provides secure data access to you and your organization's leadership-all at a lower cost than on-premise systems.
In this article, we'll provide you with the insights and arguments needed to convince decision-makers in your organization to transition away from paper-based processes and embrace a cloud-based QMS, driving superior product quality and operational excellence across your manufacturing plants.
Cloud-Based QMS vs. On-Premise QMS
On-premise QMS software is installed on your company's servers. This gives you more control over the software and data. However, it also requires more maintenance and IT resources. This setup involves an IT infrastructure where all hardware, software, and data storage are managed onsite, ensuring complete control.
On the other hand, cloud-based QMS software offers many benefits, including greater flexibility, efficiency, and strategic value compared to traditional on-premises IT infrastructure. Cloud computing gives you the freedom to access your data anywhere you have internet while still ensuring its security. By choosing a cloud-based QMS, you are effectively outsourcing your data security to your provider, letting you focus on running your business and leaving cybersecurity up to the experts.
Advantages of Cloud QMS
Below are just some of the many advantages of moving from an on-premise or paper-based system to the cloud.
Greater Data Security and Disaster Recovery
A common myth claims that cloud-based systems are riskier than on-premises ones, but that's not true. In a cloud-based QMS, your data is stored remotely and managed by the provider. Cloud service providers use encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect your data. They have skilled engineers who handle data backups and recovery efficiently. They also have skilled engineers to handle data backups and recovery effectively.
Enhanced Accessibility and Collaboration
Cloud-based access significantly boosts productivity as employees don't need to be in the office to input or retrieve data needed for quality control and compliance management. A cloud-based quality management system or QMS can be accessed from anywhere, at any time through internet-connected devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones. In the era of remote work, this is not just a nice-to-have, it's a necessity.
More Cost Effective
Unaddressed quality issues lead to defective products that need reworking or discarding, driving up costs and production time. Cloud-based QMS providers offer a cost-effective solution with a pay-per-use subscription model that offer manageable monthly or annual fees, eliminating hefty upfront costs of on-premise licenses. By avoiding on-site server maintenance, businesses can save significantly and achieve a positive ROI with robust quality management.
Integrates Into Your IT Infrastructure
Good quality management doesn't operate independently of your business operations, but integrates seamlessly as a part of your business processes. A cloud-based QMS software is designed to integrate into your IT infrastructure. QMS integrations may include (but are not limited to) ERP, MES, PLM, instruments, sensors or your supplier portal.
Choosing the Right Cloud QMS
All cloud QMS software is not created equal. Before you make a decision, use the following list to narrow down your vendor options and select the software that is right for you.
- Define your needs and goals
Start by identifying your specific quality challenges and objectives for implementing a QMS software. Consider factors like multi-site or multilingual capabilities to narrow down your options. - Evaluate features
Once you understand your needs, assess the features offered by each QMS software and how they align with the goals of your organization. Look for functionalities such as document control, audit management, nonconformance tracking and risk management. - Consider pricing
When comparing QMS software vendors, consider pricing structures. Some charge a flat fee, while others base pricing on users or sites. User-based pricing can fluctuate significantly, while a flat fee model offers predictability and ensures all users have access to the QMS. This approach fosters a strong culture of quality by highlighting each employee's role in quality management, encouraging idea sharing and promoting ownership of quality performance. - Assess usability
Flexibility in QMS software is crucial, allowing businesses to configure their exact processes by using customizable templates instead of conforming to rigid, standardized systems that don't serve them. - Evaluate implementation and support
Check the vendor's support offerings, including training, implementation assistance and ongoing customer support. Consider their responsiveness and any associated costs for implementation or additional support. - Consider integration
Ensure the QMS software integrates smoothly with your existing systems, as this will minimizes data duplication and enhance operational efficiency across workflows.
How Allnex Streamlined Its Quality Processes With AlisQI
At AlisQI, we've worked with many manufacturers to bring them up to speed and modernize their operations. A significant part of this is moving from a manual quality management system (QMS) involving numerous Excel spreadsheets to an automated and fully digitized cloud-based system.
Allnex, a market-leading manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and specialty coatings, leveraged AlisQI's cloud-based QMS to enhance their data accessibility and analysis capabilities.
The Dutch site of Allnex manufactures over 500 different resins based on petrochemical and natural raw materials. The company supplies 90% of its output to coatings manufacturers who produce architectural paint, coatings for ships, new cars and car repair finishes.
"We manufacture around 100,000 tons of resin annually, making us the world's largest resin production site. This resin is made in batches," says Albert Zwerus, Senior Technical Service Manager at Allnex.
Prior to working with AlisQI, Allnex used Excel spreadsheets to monitor the quality and production trends of all resins.
According to Zwerus, "The automotive sector, in particular, is a discerning industry, demanding resins of the highest purity level and consistent quality. It is challenging to deliver constant quality with batch production, and given that we produce various products in each batch reactor."
With the help of AlisQI's statistical analysis tools, Allnex now has a system that is able to automatically analyze raw data, issuing alerts for deviations from specifications or patterns indicating statistical control issues. Allnex operators are able to react much faster in the event of quality deviations, enabling Allnex to deliver a more consistent end product.
The system's user-friendly interface and speed impressed the team, streamlining data collection and analysis. This setup also facilitated easy remote access to data, equipping Allnex with the real-time data needed to confidently address client queries.
Modernize Your Manufacturing With Cloud QMS
The fragmented nature of data management through spreadsheets and isolated systems hinders visibility and prevents clear insights into operational disparities.
A cloud-based QMS offers a unified solution, providing real-time visibility from a single dashboard. This not only alerts managers to deviations in manufacturing processes but also enhances collaboration and data security.
Switching to a cloud-based QMS can help organizations operate more efficiently. It also allows for better control over quality. Additionally, it can lead to cost savings compared to traditional systems. Embracing this technology is not just a modernization effort but a strategic move towards sustainable growth and operational excellence in manufacturing.
Learn how our cloud-based QMS can benefit your business, sign up now to get access to our free online demo.
