Practical Steps to Ensure Quality in Your Production

Quality isn’t just a priority, it’s the foundation of every successful manufacturing process.  From product performance to customer satisfaction, a strong commitment to quality impacts everything. 

But what does quality actually look like in practice?

Quality Manager, Jeffrey Newman says, “Quality supports the entire organization. It ensures that what suppliers provide is exactly right, and that customers get what they expect.” When prioritized, quality streamlines processes, reduces risk, and strengthens trust across the supply chain. Whether  you work in aerospace, automotive, or other sectors, these practical steps can reinforce quality within your operations. 

1. Adopt a Certified Quality Management System 

 Industry certifications validate that your processes meet rigorous global standards.  For example: 

• ISO 9001 – General quality management 

• AS9120B – Quality systems for aerospace distributors 

• ISO 14001 – Environmental management systems 

At Bossard, we maintain a comprehensive suite of certifications to support the needs of OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. View our quality certifications.  

2. Monitor the Metrics That Matter 

 Effective quality management is built on measurable performance. Key metrics include: 

• On-time delivery Supplier/Customer rate 

• Supplier/Customer defect rate 

• Customer satisfaction 

• Contract accuracy 

• International delivery performance 

Tracking these KPIs allows manufacturers to identify inefficiencies and make targeted improvements. 

3. Evaluate Suppliers Regularly 

 Your product is only as strong as its weakest component. Conduct regular supplier audits to ensure you’re sourcing high-quality materials that meet your requirements. 

Jeffrey Newman reflects, “You get what you pay for. When you're going after the cheapest source or price, a lot of times quality is compromised...Partnering with suppliers who have strong quality measurements creates a foundation of trust. It’s not just about price, it’s about reliability and knowing you’ll get what you need, when you need it.” 

4. Simplify Compliance for Regulated Industries 

 Sectors like aerospace and automotive demand strict quality controls.  For instance, the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) ensures that automotive components meet design and safety standards before full-scale production. 

At Bossard, many of the parts we supply to the automotive sector are PPAP-certified, ensuring our components align with customer requirements and regulatory expectations. 

Putting It Into Practice 

Prioritizing quality isn’t about adding complexity; it’s about building operations that are leaner, smarter, and more reliable. From implementing management systems to evaluating suppliers and tracking performance metrics, you have the tools to build better, more predictable operations. 

At Bossard, we apply these same principles to our own operations, leveraging certifications and rigorous supplier evaluations to deliver reliable fastener solutions that meet industry needs. While every process has its own unique challenges, the goal remains the same: to create trust and dependability across all aspects of production. 

Start with one area of your process to evaluate its quality standards. Whether it’s supplier selection, monitoring systems, or auditing practices, small improvements can snowball into significant gains over time. 

Need help Strengthening Your Quality Strategy?  Check out our library of whitepapers designed to help you bullet-proof your assembly strategy. Whether you're navigating complex quality requirements or evaluating your current systems, our team is here to support you. 

Explore Whitepapers. 

Contact us to learn how Bossard supports OEMs with certified fastening solutions and supply chain reliability.