How to Automate Quality Control
The Problem
Manual quality control relies on paper checklists, inconsistent inspector judgment, and reactive defect detection that catches problems after they have already impacted production or reached customers. Quality data lives in spreadsheets and binders that are impossible to analyze for trends, and non-conformance reports get lost in email threads without systematic follow-through on corrective actions. Without automation, quality management is always firefighting rather than prevention.
The Solution
Odoo quality automation embeds inspection checkpoints directly into manufacturing, receiving, and shipping workflows so quality checks happen at the right time every time. Digital checklists with pass/fail criteria, measurement recording, and photo capture replace paper forms. Non-conformances automatically trigger corrective action workflows with assigned owners and deadlines. Statistical process control dashboards reveal trends before they become defects, shifting quality management from reactive to preventive.
Step-by-Step Setup
Define Quality Control Points
Set up inspection checkpoints at receiving, in-process manufacturing stages, and final inspection before shipping. Each control point defines what to check, acceptance criteria, sampling frequency, and which products or operations it applies to.
Create Digital Inspection Checklists
Build structured checklists with pass/fail criteria, measurement fields with acceptable ranges, photo capture requirements, and mandatory notes fields. Inspectors complete checklists on tablets or mobile devices at the point of inspection.
Configure Automatic Triggers
Set quality checks to trigger automatically during Odoo workflows: when a purchase order is received, when a manufacturing order reaches a specific work center, or when a delivery order is validated for shipping.
Set Up Non-Conformance Workflows
Define what happens when an inspection fails: quarantine the product, create a non-conformance report, assign a root cause analysis to the quality team, and block the workflow until disposition is decided (rework, scrap, or accept with deviation).
Automate Corrective Action Tracking
When non-conformances are identified, Odoo creates corrective action requests with assigned owners, due dates, and required evidence of resolution. Escalation rules notify quality managers when actions are overdue.
Build Quality Analytics Dashboards
Track defect rates by product, supplier, work center, and inspector over time. Identify trends using control charts and Pareto analysis to focus improvement efforts on the highest-impact quality issues.
Before vs After
| Aspect | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection Consistency | Quality depends on which inspector is on shift and how thorough they feel that day | Standardized digital checklists ensure every inspection follows the same criteria regardless of inspector |
| Defect Detection | Problems discovered at final inspection or after customer complaints | In-process checkpoints catch defects at the earliest possible stage, reducing rework cost |
| Non-Conformance Tracking | Paper NCR forms filed in binders, corrective actions lost in email threads | Digital NCR workflow with tracked corrective actions, due dates, and escalation rules |
| Supplier Quality | No systematic tracking of incoming material quality by supplier | Receiving inspection data builds supplier scorecards with defect rates and trend analysis |
| Quality Data Analysis | Periodic manual compilation of spreadsheet data for quality review meetings | Real-time dashboards with control charts, Pareto analysis, and trend alerts |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can quality checks be made mandatory before shipping?
Yes. Odoo can block delivery validation until all required quality checks pass. If a final inspection fails, the shipment is held and a non-conformance workflow is triggered. This prevents defective products from reaching customers.
Does Odoo quality management support ISO 9001 compliance?
Odoo provides the core elements needed for ISO 9001: documented inspection procedures, non-conformance tracking, corrective action management, and quality records retention. ECOSIRE can configure your Odoo quality system to align with specific ISO certification requirements.
Can I track quality at the supplier level?
Yes. Receiving inspections are linked to the supplier and purchase order. Over time, Odoo builds a quality scorecard for each supplier showing acceptance rates, common defect types, and trend data that supports vendor evaluation and negotiation.
How does quality automation integrate with manufacturing?
Quality control points are embedded directly in manufacturing work orders. When production reaches a checkpoint step, the system presents the inspection checklist to the operator or quality inspector. Results are recorded against the manufacturing order and lot/serial number for full traceability.
Can I configure different inspection levels for different products?
Absolutely. Each product or product category can have its own quality plan with specific control points, check frequencies, and acceptance criteria. High-risk products can require 100% inspection while standard items use statistical sampling.
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ECOSIRE designs and implements custom automation workflows. Start saving time and reducing errors today.