Dealing with problems

There are many things that can go wrong in the manufacture and supply of timber products.

Problems might include:

• poor quality incoming stock, or materials stamped with the wrong grade

• machine set-up problems, resulting in undersized or oversized materials

• damage to stock due to the weather or while in storage

• damage due to rough handling during transportation

• customer order mistakes, such as noting the wrong species or size

• invoicing mistakes, such as using the wrong price or tally

• delivery mistakes, such as loading the wrong pack onto a truck.

Once a problem has been identified, it needs to be traced back to its source so that the cause can be dealt with. Sometimes the cause is obvious, and can be fixed quickly. At other times, the reason for ongoing problems can be more deep-seated, and require an overhaul of work practices or a new system of documentation.

Reasons for problems

Most quality problems fall into one of three categories: people, work conditions, and practices. Here’s a list of some of the reasons why they might occur:

People:

• inadequate skill

• lack of training

• poor attitude

• incorrect use of machinery.

Work conditions:

• out-of-date equipment and machinery

• lack of maintenance to machinery

• inadequate lighting

• poor yard layout.

Practices:

• specifications or job descriptions not clearly defined

• work procedures not clearly defined

• work procedures not appropriate for the job.