What can we learn from the automotive industry?
- Fiona Booth
- Jun 19, 2024
- 2 min read
Reproducibility by Design introduces proven methods from industries like automotive and pharmaceutical manufacturing to offer researchers a systematic approach to incorporate transparency, reproducibility, and collaboration into their research practices.
We are incorporating Quality by Design (QbD) as one of our core concepts.
In the world of quality management, the term Quality by Design (QbD) can be traced back to Joseph M Juran, a distinguished American Professor of Industrial Engineering at New York University. Juran's profound insights and principles paved the way for transformative advancements in quality, notably revolutionising the Japanese automotive industry.
In his 1992 publication "Quality by Design," Juran introduced the concept of process capability, which refers to the “inherent reproducibility of a process", enabling the repetition of its results across multiple cycles of operation.
QbD emphasises the optimisation of processes to ensure consistency and reliability in product quality. Through stringent process controls and continuous monitoring, researchers can employ these techqniques to mitigate variances and uphold stringent quality standards.
Similar to Quality by Design, Reproducibility by Design is based on process mapping, which is which is an easily adopted tool for gaining a deep understanding of the complete research process.
Process maps offer a visual way to pinpoint crucial research processes along with their corresponding raw data and metadata. By implementing suitable controls and checks, process vulnerabilities and variations can be identified. These research components have all been recognized as factors influencing reproducibility.
Collaboration across different functional areas is pivotal in ensuring the success of Quality by Design initiatives. Our frameworks will foster synergies between departments and disciplines to help break silos, drive innovation, and foster a culture of quality excellence.
If you want to be involved in helping to shape this framework or simply find out more, do get in touch.
