What We’ve Learned About Quality Management Systems

When you’re engaged with supplying bearings to companies who have put their confidence in your product’s reliability, there is a lot of weight on your shoulders. These companies have essentially put their brand reputation on the line by trusting that our bearings will do what they are supposed to do. That’s a responsibility that we do not take lightly. No matter what product you manufacture, neither should you. So how are we so confident in the products we supply and how do we instill that same confidence in our customers? Three simple words: Quality Management Systems.

Any product that is manufactured in high volumes runs the risk of  having a non-conforming item somewhere in the batch. It’s inevitable. But faulty products are not acceptable. Over the past 28 years, we have built a reputation for supplying high-quality bearings that are built to last. In the process, this is what we have learned about Quality Management Systems.

• They Create Loyal Customers

Customers expect a high quality product. No one buys a product with the expectation that the product will fail to meet their needs. Quality Management Systems help companies catch the faulty products before they ever find their way to the customer. In the long run, this translates into more loyal customers.

When customers know that they can rely on your company, they start to build trust in your brand. If your product comes through for your customer when they need it to, that’s a point in the bucket for your brand. Over time, those points add up and before you know it, you’ve created a strong relationship with a loyal customer.

The value of loyal customers cannot be overstated. It costs your brand much less to retain a customer than to gain a new customer. Quality Management Systems keep your customers coming back because they know they can rely on a quality product.

• They Increase Efficiency & Lower Costs

No matter the type, systems and processes are built with one goal in mind; to increase efficiency and to streamline workflows. Quality Management Systems are no different. When you put the time and effort into creating a product, you want it to be right the first time. It will only cost you in the long term if you rush to produce your product without paying attention to the small details.

Yes, these systems take time to put into place but once they are up and running they will save you time and money. You won’t have to worry about replacing faulty products or losing top paying clients due to unreliable product.

• They Back Up Your Brand Promise

Having Quality Management Systems in place help you to deliver your brand promise to your customer. However, if you want to take it one step further, recognition can amplify the priority you place on those systems and validate them to the customer.

Manufacturers have systems in place to monitor production and the quality of their products.  We also have systems in place to monitor the quality and consistency of our processes and services.

VNC has maintained our certification to ISO standards since 2001, for our own Quality Management System. This means that we have proven our ability to consistently meet both customer requirements as well as regulatory requirements.  It also means that we utilize our Quality Management System to enhance Customer Satisfaction and are continually looking for ways to improve our system.

Certifications are important for a few reasons. One, they prove that outside parties have examined your Quality Management System(s) and have found them acceptable for the standards deemed important by regulatory organizations. Secondly, certifications show your customers that you prioritize quality work and have taken the time to ensure the processes in place are truly for their benefit.

We supply high-quality bearings and believe that quality is important for any product. We enhance this by backing it up with unsurpassed Customer Service. If you have questions about our Quality Management System or would like ideas on how you can enhance the quality of your own product through the use of VNC Bearing, call us today at 800-862-3211!

Troubleshooting And Bearing Failure Analysis

Do you know what to look for when something’s wrong with your bearings? We’re looking at the VNC process for troubleshooting & bearing failure analysis.

When a roller or ball bearing gets cracked or damaged, it may set your machine to a grinding halt. A bearing failure can be frustrating to say the least. At VNC we know when your vehicle or mechanical application fails due to faulty ball bearings; these setbacks can mean wasted time and money lost. Due to bearing failure, it’s important to know what causes the defect and how you can prevent future issues with your bearings. We’re looking at 4 ways to troubleshoot bearing failures.

Reasons For Bearing Failure – Analysis
When it comes to bearing failure troubleshooting, if you don’t know the problem, you can’t know the solution. Here are some common reasons for ball bearing failure and how to troubleshoot the issues.

1. Not Enough Lubrication
It is said that up to 80% of bearing failure is caused by a lack of lubrication. Improper lubrication can break down the bearing and cause it to function improperly. If your bearing is damaged by improper lubrication it will show discoloration and wear. Always use the correct amount and type of lubricant for your bearing to keep it in good working order.

2. Misalignment
When a roller bearing becomes misaligned, it will put a stop to the fluidity of motion. In most cases, misalignment will eventually lead to improper installation, separating, and overheating. Do a routine check and inspect housings and shafts to ensure they are in working condition.

3. Corrosion
Due to acid, moisture, or broken grease traps, condensation can ruin a ball bearing. You can easily identify ball bearing corrosion spots by doing a visual check of the bearing. If corroded, the bearing will show signs of brown or red staining on the rolling portions. The bearing will also display preload loss and increased vibration when running.

4. Bearing Fatigue
Often called “spalling” in the bearing world, fatigue happens as a result of excessive overloading and misuse of the bearing type. To combat bearing fatigue, check for an increase in noise and vibration when your system is running, and be sure to replace the bearing according to the need of your application.

Since 1993 VNC bearing has been committed to quality customer service. Read our case studies to learn more about our troubleshooting process and services.