How our ISO Quality System Registration Helps Hascall Produce Quality Steel

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How our ISO Quality System Registration Helps Hascall Produce Quality Steel
Steel Information
June 6, 2017

Before Quality System registrations, there was a sort of “buyer beware” mentality in the manufacturing environment. 1994 brought the first standard quality system initiated by the automotive manufacturing governing boards to wrangle in the wild west of manufacturing that was occurring at the time.  That standard, commonly known as QS-9000 was created to control production quality. These documents and regulations formed a guideline for a manufacturer’s own quality system development and required external audits to verify that registrants were following the procedures outlined in the standard.  One feature of these quality systems was the requirement that SUBCONTRACTORS and SUPPLIERS also pursue their own quality system registration.  Thus, twenty years ago, Hascall Steel Company was one of the first Steel Service Centers in Michigan to achieve a Quality System Registration, and that has helped maintain quality throughout the entire production process ever since.

What is ISO?

ISO is an acronym for the International Organization for Standards. They produce a framework or template of what components a quality system should contain. The template is relatively generic and broadly applicable. It doesn’t matter if you’re a trash collector company, florist, or steel distributor, you could take that template and build a quality system to fit your particular industry. Basically, the ISO Standard is a handbook that lays out rules, regulations, and guidelines to control quality and pursue customer satisfaction.

What Hascall has done to adopt a quality system compliant to ISO standards…

In order to adopt the methods and structure of ISO, Hascall regularly convenes an APQP team at the executive level. APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) is the spearhead group lead by the Quality Manager, Ken Bergman, that is very cross-functional with representation across various departments. The team members are the ones tasked with implementing and maintaining Hascall Steel’s quality system.

Several items are produced/maintained by the APQP Team, one of which is the documented system…  It consists of:

    1. A policy manual that states company intention to comply with the components of the standard.
    2. A procedure manual that declares who does what, when in the world of quality.
    3. Work instructions that describe how something is done to achieve quality results.
    4. Control plans that establish the steps of a given production process
    5. Quality records that are generated inside the manufacturing environment

Every job that is run in house at Hascall is accompanied by a VCC (Variables Control Chart).

It is this quality record where employees document the objective and subjective observations related to customers’ requirements related to gauge, dimensional, or appearance qualities.

The fact that Hascall Steel has a quality system allows for standardization between shifts, between facilities, and between the work product. So whether something is being produced at 2:00 PM in Nashville or at 2:00 AM in Grandville, the same documented approach to the work and outcome of the work is ensured because the quality system exists. It also forces Hascall to react to customer concerns, to measure customer satisfaction, and to seek continuous improvement within the production process.

How the Standardized Changes have Improved Operations

The pinnacle of Hascall’s quality system is the quality policy statement. This is the capstone of the program, which leads every one of Hascall Steel’s employees to share in a unified goal of quality. It may be simple, but it holds true for the company as a whole:

“Hascall Steel Company is committed to meeting our customer’s’ requirements and expectations through quality.”

Most companies in the manufacturing environment or automotive environment abide by some standard quality system. Everybody has one, because it brings value to the organization.

Because they carry out this statement in the day to day operations, Hascall Steel has enjoyed deep and long term loyal customer relationships. The quality system has brought confidence both to Hascall Steel Company and to customers and partners about what they can expect from the production process.

While the statement itself doesn’t change, the ways in which quality functions throughout Hascall Steel’s operation does. The quality system is alive. That is how it works best. It is constantly being reviewed and updated when there is a concern from a customer which brings the need for systemic correction. With swift action, Hascall will make that correction and ensure that it is communicated thoroughly throughout the entire organization.

In a way, the quality system, shaped by ISO, has really become a part of everyday life at Hascall Steel. It’s embedded in almost every part of the process from purchasing, production, and delivery. The system is so ingrained in the culture that it’s really become habitual for employees. The policies, the procedures, the work instructions, and the control plans all result in the unification of quality in Hascall’s products and trusted customer relationships. While the ISO certification may be required by the majority of customers, there are few that hold this quality system in as high esteem as Hascall Steel Company.

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OUR ORDERING PROCESS: HOW BEST TO ORDER STEEL FROM US...

At Hascall Steel we understand that part of being an expert is being able to tailor steel to your needs. With that in mind there are some key areas that will help us fulfill your steel order in a way that is best suited to your company’s capacities. By working with our sales team, we can adjust several aspects of your order to make things easier for your team members. Next are some areas to keep in mind that can improve efficiency and quality.

1. MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

Often customers place an order with the following basic information: Quantity/Gauge/Width/Length/Steel Type…

However there are quite a few QUALIFIERS that will help us all get the best value from the informational exchange.

2. TOLERANCES

When discussing material with our Sales Team, be sure to include tolerances for your gauge, width, and length (if applicable). In some cases, Hascall can meet tolerances as low as +/-.001 on gauge, +/-.003 on width, and +/-.015 on length. Specifications – Many steel specifications come with sub categories that can alter chemistries and mechanical boundaries. Be sure to have the full specification when ordering or talk with your sales representative to discuss options.

3. PACKAGING

Proper packaging can help reduce unloading and production time. ID – We offer ID sizes in 16”, 20”, and 24” OD – We are able to provide OD sizes up to 72” Skidding – Standard or custom skidding available, just let us know how you would like your material skidded to best meet your equipment needs.
Paper – Protective paper is standard on all orders but can be applied with standard or full wrapping both with and without Hascall Logos. Max Coil and Skid Weight – Coils can be adjusted to meet your max lift and coil capacities.
Offloading – Material can be shipped skidded or standing and set for Forklift on the side or the rear of the bed. Material can also be shipped ready for sheet lifter or overhead crane offload.

4. DELIVERY

Steel is only good if it gets there when you need it. At Hascall we have an experienced Logistics team that will ensure that your steel arrives on time in the way that best suits your needs. Whether you would like delivery via our in-house Steel Man Transportation service or if you would like to pick up your material personally, our team can set up appointments that meet your schedule. Our Logistics team can also arrange a 3rd party carrier if needed. Delivery dates, times, and address should be discussed with your Sales Representative prior to ordering.

5. THE UNKNOWN

And lastly, we know each customer is unique. There may be special requests that we would love to accommodate. These may range from a sample of the steel attached to the packaging, to increased tag requirements and frequencies. We are happy to work with you in order to be your trusted choice in slit steel coil and blanks.