Step One – Defining the Manufacturing Process
The Engineering Research & Development Team is responsible for the development of processes and the selection of all raw
material specifications. After initiating “prove-in” testing to simulate actual high-volume production, each activity within
the process becomes a part of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Care is taken to maintain the ability to generate the
highest quantity of premium quality cartridges while remaining flexible enough to produce on the constantly varying conditions
of empty cartridges. Once the manufacturing process and SOPs have been defined and proven-in, operators are trained and certified.
Step Two - Operator Training & Certification
Supervisors and Leads are trained first in the process using SOP. They in turn train the production personnel on each operation.
Upon completion of training, each Supervisor, Lead and Operator is tested on their knowledge of the SOP and Certified.
Step Three - Component Control
Raw material specifications are established by the Engineering R&D Team in collaboration with supplier-partners. Once raw
material specifications are established, records of conformance are required to accompany each incoming shipment of materials.
A dedicated team of Quality Assurance (QA) Inspectors review each incoming shipment against specifications of conformance. Shipments
outside of conformance tolerances are quarantined and returned to the supplier partner-never reaching the production floor.
Step Four -Process Control
Processes are controlled by adherence to the SOPs and enforced through procedural audits provided by the QA group. The
manufacturing group is the first step in process control. Measurement devices are used throughout the manufacturing process for
monitoring of process parameters.
Step Five -Print Performance Control
Print control monitoring is a multi-step process. Ever cartridge is print-tested for print quality prior to final external
cleaning and packaging. Page yield and shelf-life stability are evaluated during the development process and as required by
post-production quality standards. Multiple pages are tested during monthly and quarterly lot audits. All print performance
testing is server controlled with engineering approved test targets designed to show maximum cartridge performance.
Step Six – Stability Control
Stability is always at the forefront of cartridge design, beginning with initial product development and continuing throughout
the manufacturing cycle of the product. The Quality Assurance Team is responsible for monthly and quarterly lot audits to
continually monitor shelf-life. Ship-testing is performed to verify the stability throughout the transportation process.
Step Seven - Packaging Control
The Quality Assurance Team, in conjunction with production personnel, perform redundant checks throughout the packaging process
to ensure customers' products are packaged according to their specifications. Each packaging configuration is fully
documented with pictorials and written specifications for differing package arrangements.
Step Eight - Distribution Control
"Products where our partners want them, when they want them and at the best cost." This is the sign that hangs above our
distribution team's door. The team of experienced logistics experts maintains responsibility for efficiently moving each
and every product into InkCycle's customer's supply chain. Multi-step verifications are performed for both order and shipping
accuracy. In addition to supporting web-based routing and tracking of both inbound and outbound shipments, the distribution
process is EDI and UCC labeling enabled.
Step Nine - Partner Satisfaction Measurement Control
In the end, the close collaboration enjoyed by InkCycle team members and customer-partners provide InkCycle with direct
feedback. This feedback translates into program enhancements or the creation of new programs. While recognizing the
importance, as well as the limitations of anecdotal feedback, InkCycle strives to quantify satisfaction measurements through
various means. Partner Satisfaction levels are monitored through various documented processes, ranging from proprietary
by-lateral partner programs to mystery calling and electronic surveys.