An increased focus on quality control at Apeer and Lumi Windows has seen the UK’s leading door and windows specialist continue to improve its ability to ‘get it right first time’ for customers.
New World Developments, Apeer and Lumi’s parent group, has always had the highest standards when it comes to quality control. But over the past 18 months the company has concentrated on streamlining and standardising these procedures, as its product line has grown.
As a result, customer complaints regarding loose items have virtually been eliminated, and around 98% of Apeer and Lumi products are consistently manufactured ‘Right First Time’.
Apeer doors and Lumi windows are produced at NWD’s factory premises in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, using 100% end of line inspection along with inline process auditing to ensure quality assurance.
“One hundred per cent inspection has always been a part of NWD quality process however it is only in the last two years that it has been standardised and documented,” said quality manager, Eric Crawford.
“Currently we have two inspection instructions in place which cover over 90% of the total manufacture, with the rest to follow in the future. The documented instructions are used to standardise the inspection process in a way that all inspectors cover all the critical care points needed to ensure door and window quality.”
All new inspectors are trained using the instructions from day one to ensure a consistent approach, while all key processes are audited at least once a week to check they are being carried out in line with the standard operating procedures.
In addition, there have been specific improvements made to the quality control processes, said Eric: “Fixed gauging has recently been introduced for better knocker hole positioning and cylinder hole alignment. Standardised inspection stations have also been introduced with a standard set of tools, and new high definition cameras have been purchased along with additional CCTV cameras. We’ve also introduced loose item/kit box content photography to resolve issues customers were having with missing parts – which we are pleased to say has virtually eliminated the problem.”
With this ongoing quality control focus, Lumi and Apeer customers and Trade Partners can be more confident than ever when they order doors and windows.
“Our customers rightly expect the best, and we will continue to refine our processes and raise our targets to ensure we consistently deliver just that across the board,” said Eric.
“At the start of 2021 we set a target of 98% Right First Time (RFT) with a stretched goal of 99%. This year has seen a steady improvement and we are regularly achieving 96.5-98% week to week. Our focus now is on developing the internal processes, product suppliers and quality planning needed to achieve and sustain 99% RFT to the customer.”
