Distributed Quality Systems

Distributed quality systems are essential for maintaining high standards across production sites to ensure consistent quality.

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GOSQAS

The Global Open Source Quality Assurance System (GOSQAS) allows for the creation of secure, honest & transparent recording of project data, for free, using opensource software. The main aim of GOSQAS is to enable prompt and distributed manufacturing, possibly in response to a disaster situation, to allow manufacturers, distributors & buyers to feel confident in the production and quality of their products.

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In manufacturing, quality systems are based on repetitive processes, and the cost of production lines are enormous. Quality control and quality assurance are integral to the manufacturing process, yet they can limit the abilities of manufacturing by creating barriers to its democratisation - quality control and assurance must be addressed in standards.

For the creation and established of distributed quality systems, it is essential to bring together innovators and research partners - to understand the problems they are facing and to create solutions together conducting experiments through funded projects.

We take inspiration from a variety of existing systems and innovators. For example, the food quality systems that assert every product is held to the same standards of quality and safety no matter the location of production if they are to be sold on the same market. Some organisations that have inspired distributed quality systems are: GitBuilding - hosts of an opensource program for writing hardware build instructions; Batch Works - a digital circular manufacturing company who create high quality products with no unnecessary waste by reusing and repairing designs; and makerspaces.

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Key aspects of distributed quality systems

• Decentralised quality control - quality management is handled locally, allowing for rapid responses and adaptation to local environments
• Standardisation across sites - a standardisation approach ensures all sites adhere to the same quality standards and procedures
• Compliance with regulations - the systems must comply with industry specific standards and regulations
• Integration with technology - leverage advanced technologies to facilitate communication and coordination between various locations
• Continuous improvement - regular audits, feedback loops & performance monitoring are essential, ensuring ongoing improvements and efficiency
• Democratising manufacturing - digital fabrication and makerspaces are integral aspects of this paradigm

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