TQM vs. QMS: Key Differences in Garments Manufacturing Quality Management || Textilefloor

 In garments manufacturing, ensuring high-quality production is essential for customer satisfaction and market competitiveness. Two widely used approaches for achieving quality are Total Quality Management (TQM) and Quality Management System (QMS).

While both aim to enhance product quality, they differ in their focus and implementation. Understanding these differences helps garment factories optimize their processes and deliver superior results.

Therefore, Total Quality Management (TQM) and Quality Management System (QMS) are both approaches aimed at ensuring high-quality products, but they differ in scope, methodology, and focus areas. Here's a comparison:

1. Definition

TQM: A management philosophy focused on continuous improvement across all organizational processes, involving everyone (from top management to workers) to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction.

QMS: A formalized system of processes, policies, and procedures established to meet specific quality objectives and comply with standards (e.g., ISO 9001).

2. Scope

TQM: Broad and holistic. It encompasses company-wide practices, including management, human resources, supplier collaboration, and customer engagement.

QMS: Narrower in scope, often focusing on documenting and controlling processes to meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.

3. Objective

TQM: Focused on achieving customer satisfaction through continuous improvement and organizational culture.

QMS: Primarily aims to ensure consistent quality by following documented procedures and meeting predefined standards.

4. Implementation

TQM: Requires cultural change, training, and active participation from all levels of employees. Emphasis is on teamwork, leadership, and quality philosophy.

QMS: Relies on systematic documentation, monitoring, and auditing. Implementation typically follows structured frameworks like ISO standards.

5. Approach

TQM: Process-oriented, emphasizing quality improvement in every activity, including production, service, and management.

QMS: Standard-oriented, ensuring processes meet specific requirements and quality policies.

6. Focus

TQM: Broader focus on both quality and overall organizational performance. Often incorporates methodologies like Six Sigma, Kaizen, and lean manufacturing.

QMS: Centered on compliance and meeting quality assurance goals, often with specific customer or regulatory requirements in mind.

7. In Garments Manufacturing

TQM: Focuses on creating a culture of continuous improvement in production efficiency, reducing waste, improving product quality, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Examples: training workers, empowering teams, and fostering collaboration with suppliers.

QMS: Focuses on establishing and following standards such as ISO 9001 to ensure consistent product quality, on-time delivery, and regulatory compliance. Examples: setting standard operating procedures (SOPs), conducting internal audits, and maintaining inspection records.

8. Examples of Tools

TQM: Fishbone diagrams, Pareto charts, brainstorming sessions, and continuous feedback loops.

QMS: Documented procedures, checklists, audits, and records management.

Summary Table:

Both TQM and QMS are essential for ensuring high-quality garments production, but they complement each other rather than substituting. For best results, many garment manufacturers integrate QMS frameworks within a broader TQM philosophy.