The 8D Methodology as a Tool for Continuous Improvement and Reduction of Non-Conforming Products in the Safety Footwear Industry

Abstract

This article shows a real case about the implementation of the 8D methodology to solve a recurrent problem in the production of industrial footwear. The specific problem addressed is the high rate of non-compliant products in monthly production, which generates significant losses in terms of materials, time and costs. Furthermore, the percentage of defects is not within the established limits of the organization. The first thing that happened was the acceptance that there was a problem, then we moved on to the formation of a multidisciplinary team. Data collection began from July to November, mainly in the production line where product defects were mentioned and recurred more frequently, a timely solution was implemented, the production and quality area was designated, and frequent inspections were carried out at the points of the process, and organized to find the root cause, one Instead, permanent corrective actions will be carried out as soon as they are implemented, focusing on collecting data from the following and may be observed if they were effective to move towards an action plan with a comprehensive approach that encompasses the best processes, inspection up to the learning of different methods. The study evaluated the 8D method as a tool for solving company problems, applying the methodology step by step, achieving a considerable reduction in defects, thus resulting in an improvement in product quality and increased customer satisfaction.