QUALITY
One-person cellular production system improves quality and efficiency
In 2010, we adopted a one-person cellular production system under which each product is assembled, inspected, and packed by the same individual. Under this system, which is especially well-suited to producing a large variety of products in small lots, each worker handles all aspects of the production line, strengthening his or her sense of responsibility and improving skills dramatically. The system has also been highly successful in terms of work efficiency.
Rigorous quality controls with advanced testing equipment
To implement even more thorough quality controls, the Reliability Control Center established at the Tsukuba Factory in 2004 is fully equipped with some of the industry's most advanced testing equipment, including intelligent load testing robots, thermal shock chambers, low temperature thermo-hygrostats, hydrophones, vibration testers, drop impact testers, bending testers, micro focus X-ray inspection systems, and photomicroscopy systems. Before, we had outsourced quality control; now, with these in-house facilities, we are capable of applying maximum loads to each part and implementing even more thorough testing. We carry out repeated and rigorous testing to maintain reliable quality for the physical therapy devices used not just in medical care, but in homes.
Establishing traceability for thorough product control
Stressing thorough traceability for each and every product, we maintain a structure that makes it possible to precisely ascertain information on every aspect of production, from the parts used to make a product through the assembly process and the shipping route. In the rare event of a product defect, this makes it possible to verify the causative factors from multiple angles. Since this approach can also be used to clearly ascertain information ranging from production records to the number of years for which each product has been in use, it allows swift response to any problems with products used for extended periods.
By delivering high-quality products at all times, we strive to earn the trust of our customers and to reward the high regard in which they hold us.
