Role of information technology in efficient management of quality assurance operation: A case study in a Malaysian small and medium enterprise

Efficient management is an important element for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector to remain competitive. Most companies focus on the efficiency of their manufacturing operation and overlooked the importance of managing the Quality Assurance (QA) operation efficiently. QA holds the key to delivery; hence an efficient and effective QA buyoff system is crucial to ensure the company delivers on time. Efficient QA operation requires accurate and reliable inspection data. Therefore, information technology (IT) has to be deployed. This paper identifies the problems in the daily operation, proposes a computerized solution and discusses the benefits of using IT to improve the efficiency of QA operation of a SME in Prai, Penang. A comparison is made for before and after implementation of the system. Findings from the case study shows that computerized system bring benefits and increase the competitive level of the company.