Zed – zero defect and zero effect certification

Addressing the nation on India’s 68th Independence Day, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi urged the industry, especially the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of India, to manufacture goods in the country with “zero defects” and to ensure that the goods have “zero effect”
on the environment.

ZED has presented a model where the concept of quality has a holistic change from a tool for compliance with a source of competitiveness. Operationally, it is meant to evolve from a total dependency on inspection of the final product to correct defects, to a proactive process of improving processes like quality planning, product and process designing, optimum processes, efficient resource management, effective outsources activities and breakthrough outcomes. Along with a focus on the quality of products
and services, there is an equal emphasis on the elimination of impact on the environment through adequate planning at a product and process design, pre-production (start-up activities), production and maintenance activities, post-production (disposal after use) and outcome of environment performance. Overall, the net result is sustainable development.

The ZED scheme is an integrated and holistic certification system that will account for quality, productivity, energy efficiency, pollution mitigation, financial status, human resource, and technological depth including design and IPR in both products and processes. The parameters of the scheme will cover all aspects of the existing schemes of Ministry of MSME: Quality Management System (QMS) / Quality Technology Tools (QTT), Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (LMCS), Design Clinic and Technology and Quality Up-gradation (TEQUP) and Building Awareness on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).