Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of systematically identifying the root causes of quality defects in manufacturing processes and provides eight preventive strategies to eliminate these issues from the source [1][15]. Group 1: Definition and Importance of Quality Defects - In manufacturing, "quality defects" refer to products that do not meet design requirements or specifications, leading to customer dissatisfaction and potential financial losses for companies [2][4]. - Quality is fundamentally about whether a product or service meets customer needs and expectations, with specific standards set to minimize defects [2][4]. Group 2: Root Causes of Quality Defects - Quality defects often stem from four key elements: Man, Machine, Material, and Method (4M), where any failure in these areas can lead to non-conforming products [4][10]. - Common root causes include: - Human errors due to fatigue or lack of training [6][13]. - Defective raw materials or contamination [8]. - Equipment malfunctions or failures [9]. - Changes in personnel, materials, or processes that are not properly communicated [10][21]. - Lack of skill transfer and adherence to standard operating procedures [11][13][14]. Group 3: Preventive Strategies - Eight practical measures to prevent quality defects include: 1. Conducting thorough design reviews to identify potential issues early [16][17]. 2. Reducing unnecessary tasks to alleviate employee workload and minimize errors [18]. 3. Implementing 5S management to maintain a clean and organized work environment [19]. 4. Rigorously evaluating raw materials and suppliers to ensure quality [20]. 5. Effectively managing changes in the 4M elements to prevent miscommunication [21]. 6. Strengthening employee training and quality awareness [22]. 7. Establishing early detection mechanisms for potential quality issues [23][24]. 8. Strictly enforcing standard operating procedures to ensure compliance [25][26][27].