As a customer, how can I see the specific application of PDCA in my project?

As a customer, you are an integral part of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, and its application is transparently woven into our project management and communication process. You don't just see the final result; you see the iterative process of refinement and validation that ensures your project's success. Here is how you can observe and participate in PDCA throughout your project's lifecycle.

Phase 1: Collaborative Planning and Definition

The "Plan" phase is where we establish a clear, mutual understanding of your goals and the path to achieve them.

• What You See: You receive and review a detailed project plan. This includes:

  • Technical Specifications: A clear definition of the part's critical-to-quality (CTQ) dimensions, material selection (e.g., Titanium Alloy for strength or specific Resins for detail), and target mechanical properties.

  • Process Selection: A rationale for the recommended manufacturing process, such as Powder Bed Fusion for complex metal parts or Vat Photopolymerization for high-resolution prototypes.

  • Quality Plan: Agreement on inspection methods, reporting (like material certification), and acceptance criteria.

• Your Role: You provide feedback and formally approve the plan. Your domain knowledge is crucial here to ensure the plan aligns with the part's end-use in its specific industry, whether it's Aerospace and Aviation or Medical and Healthcare.

Phase 2: Transparent Execution and Initial Validation

The "Do" phase involves executing the plan while providing you with visibility into the manufacturing process.

• What You See:

  • Build Preparation Report: Before production, we may share images of the digitally nested parts in the build chamber, showing optimal orientation and support structure.

  • In-Process Updates: For critical projects, we can provide photos or data logs confirming that the build has started and key parameters (such as atmosphere purity for metals) are within specification.

  • First-Article Coupons: We often build and test witness coupons alongside your parts to validate the process.

• Your Role: You are kept informed. This transparency allows for early detection if any aspect of the "Do" phase deviates from the agreed "Plan."

Phase 3: Data-Driven Inspection and Reporting

The "Check" phase is where we objectively measure outcomes against the plan and share the data with you.

• What You See: You receive comprehensive inspection reports, which are the cornerstone of the "Check" phase. These may include:

  • Dimensional Report: CMM or scan data verifying the part meets all drawing tolerances.

  • Material Certs: The material certification reports you inquired about earlier.

  • Visual Inspection Photos: High-resolution images of the final parts, often before and after any Surface Treatment.

  • Data on Post-Processing: Documentation confirming that required steps, such as heat treatment or CNC Machining, were completed according to the standard.

• Your Role: You review the data. Your confirmation that the results meet your expectations is a vital part of the "Check."

Phase 4: Iterative Improvement and Final Delivery

The "Act" phase involves standardizing what worked and learning from any discrepancies.

• What You See:

  • If Everything is to Spec: The "Act" is the formal closure of the cycle. We deliver the certified parts and documentation, and the successful process parameters are documented for future repeat orders.

  • If a deviation occurs, this is where PDCA's power is most visible. We don't just flag an issue; we present a corrective action plan—which is a new, rapid PDCA cycle. For example, if a surface finish is not ideal, we might propose and run a test using Electropolishing instead of Sandblasting, and present you with the new data for approval.

• Your Role: You approve the corrective action or the final delivery. Your feedback on the entire process is also a key input that we use to "Act" and improve our overall service.