By Irene Ogbuefi

There is a strong positive correlation between quality and success in various aspects of our existence (business, relationships, personal endeavors). The ultimate goal of every business (service/product) should be to satisfy the customer. High-quality products meet customer expectations and win their trust and loyalty. Quality is a powerful ally in the world of branding. It helps differentiate a company’s products/services from competitors. Consistency in quality gives brands that reputation boost needed to strengthen market position. Quality products increase cost efficiency and effectiveness.

Human capital is a vital input required to sustain quality standards. The talents in every workforce should embody quality goals, striving for continuous improvement. Quality should also extend to relationships. Quality relationships are required to nurture effective communication and reliability which foster trust for business partnerships to flourish.

Manufacturing companies within the country should continue to strive for business excellence using high-quality manufacturing practices. This can be achieved through clearly defining acceptance criteria for parts and finished products. Productivity and quality goals should be SMART with monitoring parameters activated to adjust strategies when need be. Employees should understand quality expectations and how their roles impact them. Also, investing in employee training is crucial for maintaining quality. Value Stream Maps can be used to identify and eliminate muda in the various workflows. Optimizing material usage in the manufacturing cycle also contributes to minimizing waste. All activities in the supply chain quality management should be handled with care. From evaluation of suppliers based on predefined quality criteria to regular evaluation of supplier processes and practices to make sure they meet quality standards.Collaborating with universities as well as research institutions will encourage innovation that will fuel quality management.

Improving quality management is crucial for combating the proliferation of fake and counterfeit products in Nigeria. Substandard products are still being imported and distributed throughout the country through illicit inroads. The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) stickers imprinted on certified products sometimes slip through the cracks in the system and are seen on non-certified products. Technological solutions that can help check this influx of fake products are required to complement efforts at quality improvement.

Authentication technologies aid businesses in verifying product authenticity throughout the supply chain. One of such digital technologies is SON’s Product Authentication Mark (PAM). Increasing investment in more of these technologies will help check the quality of both imported and locally manufactured products. Consumers need to be aware of how to make that judgment call of separating the wheat from the chaff. User-friendly applications that allow consumers to verify product authenticity can help solve this problem. Consumers should be sensitized using public awareness campaigns. Finally, quality comes at a cost. For local brands to thrive,the government should encourage entrepreneurship by creating supportive business environments.Provision should be made routinely for local businesses to advertise their business and interact with customers. More funding support that could come as information on funding opportunities and improved access to grants and loans will also be a welcome development.

Ogbuefi, a pharmacist and supply chain expert, writes from Abuja