Original Date: 02/26/2001
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

General Dynamics Armament Systems implemented a Quality Review Forum to promote a business quality culture which emphasizes ownership and open communications. Utilizing a multi-disciplined forum, the company effectively addresses quality issues and promotes proactive quality initiatives.

General Dynamics Armament Systems (GDAS) recognized the need to promote a business quality culture which emphasized ownership and open communications. Started in the late 1980s, the original focus of the Quality Review Forum was to promote multi-disciplined involvement for addressing in-house manufacturing quality issues. Building on its success, the Forum evolved to meet the challenges of GDAS’ business focus on systems integration.

The multi-disciplined Quality Review Forum is dedicated to formal presentations and the discussion of key quality issues and initiatives. Its focal point is monthly meetings, which are open to all levels of employees, customers, and suppliers as necessary. Participants authorized to implement corrective actions and proactive initiatives are required to attend the forum meetings. The cross-section of participants ensures a balanced discussion. The meeting agenda incorporates a unique mix of functions. Each meeting commences with a review of key quality audits, quality issues, and customer corrective action requests. As a result, the review brings top-level exposure to these elements. Candid discussion of issues and potential solutions are encouraged. From this open discussion, corrective action plans can be developed and authorized. Each month, two 20-minute presentations are given which focus on continuous improvements, quality initiatives, customer satisfaction, and metrics. These presentations often provide an opportunity to look at the overall view of the company’s business areas and processes. The presentations are then open to general discussion.

The multi-disciplinary composition and time-proven commitment of forum participants are key to the Quality Review Forum’s success. Through the use of monthly meetings, GDAS promotes open communications, quality ownership, team building, personnel networking, and the application of a dedicated web site. The evolutionary nature and process orientation of the Quality Review Forum will ensure its effectiveness as GDAS changes to meet new business challenges.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.