Crocs’ supply chain

With the competitive advantage that Crocs’ supply chain holds, the company also wants to be able to sustain their customers’ satisfaction. In doing this, they must make sure that their transformation process is producing consistent output especially when new products are introduced. This can be achieved by having a solid quality control system.

With the quality control system, inspections are to take place at three critical points. The first one is before production, which involves the raw materials in Crocs’ case that would be the raw materials, or chemicals that they purchase in pellet form. This first step can be eliminated by through supplier certification. The second critical point is during the production process. Process quality control takes place, which involves statistical process control. Periodic samples are taken from a continuous production, as long as sample measurements fall within the control limit the production will continue. However, if the samples fall outside the control limits, the process is stopped and a search is made for an assignable cause. In this case, the process will use a quality control chart known as an attribute control chart. The whole purpose is to find the natural random variability in the output oppose to unnecessary variations. The company must maintain that natural random variability to be under statistical control. The last critical point is after production. Following these inspections is process capability. Process capability is assessed once the process is under statistical control. It is the ability of the process to meet or exceed customers’ specifications. Process capability is determined by using the process capability index. If the process is unable to meet the customer specifications the following step is continuous improvement in which case seven tools are used including a flow chart, check sheet, histogram, Pareto chart, cause and effect, scatter diagram and a control chart. These tools are then incorporated into an improvement approach known as Six Sigma. Six Sigma includes five steps:

1. Defining a process for improvement

2. Measuring the variables and setting goals for improvement

3. Analyzing the root causes in which case the seven tools are referred to

4. Making improvements

5. Implementing a control plan to ensure that changes are permanent

In furthering research on Crocs, it has been stated in online reviews by various customers that they have experienced defects in the seam of their shoes, cases in which their shoe had shrunk or didn’t fit at all, Crocs’ flip flops tearing apart, holes appearing in their shoes, and the smell of the shoes. These reviews are accessible to many consumers, and are capable of tainting the reputation of Crocs. Reviews such as these are important to pay attention to because it’s proof of the importance of solidifying an efficient quality control system. It is especially important when introducing new products, and the use of different materials. The company needs to ensure that the processes of producing these products are under control and measuring up to the expected quality consistently.

References for reviews:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/online/crocs.html

http://mythreecents.com/reviews/crocs-com