HARMAN Luxury Update

Fast Forward with First Time Right

November is Quality Month at HARMAN and this year’s theme is Fast Forward with First Time Right.  As a Business Unit leader, our primary role is to develop and deliver products On-Time, On- Budget and On-Quality. Being On-Quality is the most important for our customers because it directly impacts our brands’ credibility, customer loyalty and reduces costly returns. To attain the highest level of quality it starts with having clearly defined product requirements and processes for our manufacturing partners to build upon. With a strong emphasis on quality control, our product requirements documentation (PRD) must include everything from the procurement of raw material sourcing all the way through to having a comprehensive test plan for final product inspection. Setting expectations up front with our partners helps us fast forward the project and helps us get the product as close to right the first time we see it during the sample verification process.  The HARMAN Built-In Quality approach to product development helps us ensure our highest standards of craftsmanship, durability and customer satisfaction.

Why Quality Management Matters

I would like to share some of our Consumer Audio leaders' perspectives about this year’s Quality Month theme. I hope it reinforces in your mind, our commitment to getting it right the first time.

Building a Strong Quality Culture

Creating and maintaining a quality culture doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a continuous effort. It starts with leadership commitment, open communication, and a shared belief that quality is everyone’s responsibility.

We encourage our employees to take ownership of their roles, share ideas, and focus on improvement that helps organizations grow stronger together.  When people feel empowered to improve, that is when the best results happen.

Over the next couple of months, you will be introduced to many new products that have followed the First-Time Right philosophy. We have worked closely with our suppliers to better define the product from a hardware, software and use interface perspective. We are confident that you will recognize our effort once you see, hear and interact with these new products.