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Illustration: Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence
Modelled case study

The cost of non-quality in an industrial SME

In an increasingly competitive industrial environment, the pursuit of operational excellence is essential to maintain profitability and customer satisfaction. Measuring and reducing the cost of achieving quality are strategic levers that optimise processes while ensuring high standards. This modelled case study presents a structured approach to identify sources of costs related to quality and proposes tailored solutions to reduce them.

Method warning

A typical case, not a client

This study does not describe any real clients and does not report any results obtained from a client: our confidentiality commitments prohibit this. It sets out explicit working hypotheses and then deduces orders of magnitude through a calculation that you can replicate line by line. Change a hypothesis, and the result changes. During a diagnosis, these hypotheses are replaced by your actual figures.

The starting point

The modelled situation

Industrial companies face increasing challenges regarding quality, often exacerbated by inefficient processes and waste. In this context, it is crucial to understand how quality-related costs impact overall performance. Industry players must be able to identify the production stages where defects occur, as well as the resources mobilised to correct these anomalies. A thorough analysis of current processes can highlight opportunities for improvement. By integrating methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma, companies can not only reduce costs associated with quality but also improve customer satisfaction by delivering products that meet expectations.

Initial hypothesisValueUnit
Annual turnover60 000 000MAD
Production workforce85people
Scrap and rework rate observed in the diagnosis4,5% du CA
Addressable share in 12 months through a structured approach40%
The calculation

Result, line by line

The calculation table provides a summary of quality-related costs, highlighting the various categories of expenditure. It is important to note that this table does not provide a comprehensive picture of costs, but rather an overview of the main sources of expenditure. Users should interpret the data considering the specifics of their own industrial context. The above assumptions should also be taken into account for a more detailed analysis. By cross-referencing this data with feedback from teams, it is possible to refine the actions to be taken.

Calculated magnitudeFormulaResultUnit
Annual cost of non-quality60 000 000 × 4,5 %2 700 000MAD/year
Target share over 12 months2 700 000 × 40 %1 080 000MAD/year
Production equivalent per person1 080 000 ÷ 8512 705,9MAD/person
New targeted non-quality rate4,5 % − (4,5 % × 40 %)2,7% du CA
The diagnosis

What we measure first

Identification of hidden costs

Costs related to non-quality, often invisible, can include product returns, discounts granted, or time lost in correction processes.

Process analysis

A close examination of production stages allows for the identification of failure points and waste.

Team engagement

Raising awareness and involving employees are essential to establishing a culture of quality within the organisation.

Use of Lean Six Sigma tools

The application of these tools allows for structuring data analysis and guiding improvement actions.

The work plan

How the mission unfolds

1

Process mapping

Establish a detailed mapping of processes to visualise workflows and identify critical points.

2

Team training

Implement training sessions to raise awareness among teams about quality issues and the use of Lean tools.

3

Establishment of performance indicators

Develop relevant indicators to track the evolution of costs related to quality and measure the impact of the actions implemented.

4

Management of improvement projects

Launch targeted projects to reduce non-quality costs, involving teams at every stage.

5

Follow-up and adjustment

Establish a regular monitoring process to adjust actions based on the results obtained and feedback received.

The follow-up

The indicators we implement

These indicators are recorded from the diagnosis and then monitored throughout the mission: they are what make the result demonstrable, rather than declarative.

  • Scrap rate by line and by reference
  • Cost of rework, recorded each month
  • Customer service rate and delivery delays
  • Number of open customer complaints and their processing time
  • Changeover time (SMED) on bottleneck stations
Clarity

What causes this type of project to fail

Lack of team buy-in+
A lack of employee engagement can hinder the implementation of improvement actions.
Underestimation of hidden costs+
Not considering indirect costs related to non-quality can lead to biased analyses.
Insufficient training+
Inadequate or overly brief training can limit the effectiveness of Lean Six Sigma tools.
Lack of monitoring+
Failing to establish regular follow-up on implemented actions can lead to a return to ineffective practices.
Frequently Asked Questions

What is being asked of us

How to involve teams in the improvement process?+
It is essential to create an environment where employees feel valued and heard. Collaborative workshops and brainstorming sessions can foster their engagement.
Which Lean Six Sigma tools are most suitable?+
Tools such as the Pareto diagram, root cause analysis, and DMAIC are often used to structure improvement projects.
How to measure the impact of the actions implemented?+
It is recommended to define clear performance indicators and monitor their evolution over time to assess the effectiveness of actions.
What are the first steps to take to get started?+
Starting with a mapping of processes and an analysis of costs related to quality helps identify action priorities.

Let's redo this calculation with your figures

The diagnosis replaces each hypothesis on this page with data collected from you. It lasts half a day and does not commit you to anything.

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