Zero Defects (ZD) and Zero Break Downs (ZBD)
Philip Crosby the creator of ZD defined quality as conformity to requirements and called for the company wide implementation of ZD or quality measurement. His four principles of quality management are given below. The goal of zero defects is to create a means of promoting perception on essential elements in the pursuit of quality.
- The definition of quality is confirmation to requirements.
- The system of defect prevention.
- The performance standard is zero defects.
- The measurement of quality is the price of non-conformance.
Zero defects and productive maintenance have a common philosophy. While zero defects strive to prevent defects, productive maintenance has emphasized the importance of preventing breakdowns. Since equipment failure is a type of defect, both ZD and PM, in effect are preventive systems aimed in eliminating defects. In TPM operators themselves are the inspectors responsible for quality assurance. ZD is considered a significant factor in the success of just in time production system as well.