Closed-loop quality management systems: Are Czech companies ready?

Abstract

Purpose: The paper brings set of original information related to the next quality management systems development with regard to digitalisation and other features of new era. It proposes basic structure of closed-loop quality management systems (CLQMS) as a mixture of internal, external, horizontal and vertical loops.

Methodology/Approach: Comparative literature analysis, standards' analysis, brainstorming, field research, interviews and design review were used.

Findings: Information flows are counted as vital part of all advanced closed-loop quality management systems. Authors established definition of CLQMS. 209 of various requirements related to information exchange were discovered through study of ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949:2016 and EFQM Model, version 2020. These requirements should create a basic platform for CLQMS establishing and development. Authors performed an empirical field research which. Confirmed that current readiness of Czech production companies for CLQMS implementation is insufficient, despite the automotive sector reaches a higher level of such readiness.

Research Limitation/Implication: The field research was performed in time span accompanied by stern measures caused by COVID-19. The only English language literature resources were considered for a literature review.

Originality/Value of paper: The paper brings original set of information, regarding to definition of the CLQMS, findings from special field research.