Total Quality Management (TQM) is a business philosophy that aims to achieve and maintain excellence
in all aspects of a company’s operations. In the screen printing technology industry, TQM can
significantly improve product quality, customer satisfaction, and overall business performance.
Key Principles of TQM in Screen Printing Technology
Customer Focus
1. Understanding Customer Needs: Identifying and addressing the specific requirements and
expectations of screen printing customers, including print quality, color accuracy, durability, and
turnaround time.
2. Continuous Feedback: Implementing mechanisms for gathering and analyzing customer feedback to
make informed decisions and improvements.
Employee Involvement
1. Empowerment: Empowering screen printing technicians at all levels to contribute to quality
improvement initiatives and decision-making processes.
2. Training and Development: Providing ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance
employees’ skills and knowledge.
Process Improvement
1. Continuous Improvement: Adopting a mindset of continuous improvement, seeking out and
eliminating waste and inefficiencies in production processes.
2. Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data and analytics to identify process bottlenecks, measure
performance, and track progress towards quality goals.
Leadership Commitment
1. Vision and Direction: Providing clear vision and direction for quality improvement initiatives,
ensuring that TQM principles are understood and embraced by all levels of the organization.
2. Support and Resources: Providing the necessary resources, support, and leadership to enable
successful implementation of TQM.
Specific Applications of TQM in Screen Printing Technology
1. Quality Control: Implementing rigorous quality control measures at all stages of the screen printing
process, from screen preparation to final product inspection.
2. Color Management: Ensuring accurate color reproduction through the use of color management
systems and standardized color palettes.
3. Equipment Maintenance: Regularly maintaining and calibrating screen printing equipment to ensure
optimal performance and reliability.
4. Waste Reduction: Implementing strategies to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact, such
as using eco-friendly inks and optimizing production processes.
5. Supplier Management: Establishing strong relationships with suppliers and ensuring that they meet
quality standards for inks, screens, and other materials.
Benefits of TQM in Screen Printing Technology
1. Improved Print Quality: TQM can lead to significant improvements in print quality, resulting in
increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
2. Reduced Costs: By eliminating waste and inefficiencies, TQM can help to reduce costs and improve
profitability.
3. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: TQM can enhance customer satisfaction by delivering products and
services that meet or exceed expectations.
4. Increased Market Share: TQM can help screen printing companies to gain a competitive advantage by
offering higher-quality products and better customer service.
5. Improved Employee Morale: TQM can improve employee morale by creating a positive and
empowering work environment.
Challenges and Considerations
6. Resistance to Change: Implementing TQM can be challenging, especially if there is resistance to
change from employees or management.
7. Cultural Differences: TQM may need to be adapted to fit the cultural context of different screen
printing organizations.
8. Measurement and Evaluation: It is important to establish effective measurement and evaluation
systems to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
By embracing TQM principles, screen printing companies can achieve significant improvements in
quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction, ultimately driving long-term success.
Written by: Engr Apurba Sarker
Asst. Manager, Embellishment Quality
HEMS Group