Automation 2027 – QMS Updates

APL Announces Major QMS Upgrades as Part of Automation 2027 Plan

APL is excited to announce the successful rollout of significant upgrades to its Quality Management System (QMS), a key milestone in the company’s ambitious Automation 2027 initiative. Designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve product quality, and accelerate innovation, these QMS upgrades will streamline workflows and position APL as a leader in next-generation automation.

• The Automation 2027 plan, which aims to future-proof APL’s operations through cutting-edge technology and smarter workflows, has QMS upgrades as one of its cornerstones. By implementing advanced digital tools and automated processes, APL’s QMS will not only boost quality assurance but also foster a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the organization. Key focus being the introduction of additional quality modules to the current ERP System.
• To develop a connected workforce that will transform the way employees interact and operate with the systems around them
• Part of APL’s strategic initiatives plan to digitize our quality management system which forms part of our project plan called “Ambition 2027”

Current Overview:   

• 100+ product inspection books to be created annually
• 15000+ paper records generated annually between ECR’s, Deviations’ Capas, Inspection Records etc.
• Time wasted transferring inspection information
• Unclear workflows for reports
• Time wasted following up on sign offs of reports

Key Deliverables:

• Operator accountability and efficiency
• Accurate data management e.g., downtime, scrap etc.
• Paperless system eliminating current errors
• Digital records for QC inspections
• Benefiting current and future clients
• Alignment with Comar
• Upskilling staff

Benefits of the QMS Upgrades

The new QMS provides a wide range of benefits that will significantly improve the way APL operates. These include:

1. Increased Efficiency
   The new QMS automates many of the previously manual processes, from document management to quality control reporting. This reduces the risk of human error, speeds up routine tasks, and enables employees to focus on higher-value activities.
2. Enhanced Compliance
   With stricter global regulations and higher standards across industries, APL’s upgraded QMS ensures full compliance with the latest regulatory requirements. This upgrade provides real-time audit trails and automated checks to guarantee that quality standards are consistently met or exceeded.
3. Improved Data Integration
   The system allows for seamless integration across APL’s departments and external partners, ensuring that data flows smoothly between systems. This real-time information sharing enhances decision-making processes and supports quick responses to quality issues before they escalate.
4. Better Risk Management
   By leveraging data analytics and machine learning, the QMS can now anticipate potential issues before they arise. This predictive capability will allow APL to proactively manage risks, reducing downtime, manual errors and ensuring uninterrupted production.
5. Enhanced Quality Management
   The upgraded QMS will streamline the process for more efficient quality management, allowing faster inspections enabling operators to easily enter data. Inspection plans put in place to maintain dimensions, better tracking of processes and determine lot acceptability or conduct First Article Inspections.

Next Step –Introduction of SPC & Quick Inspect Modules- includes key attributes such as:

• Inspection Plans – Input and maintain dimensions to track process capability, determine lot acceptability or conduct First Article Inspections.
• CMM Import – Import CMM data automatically into SPC
• Quick Inspections enable operators to easily enter data from the launcher bar, Shop Data and/ or handheld device to complete statistical analysis.
• Track, maintain, measure, and perform calibrations on gages and devices.
• Visual colour coding and audible warnings if measurements are out of specification.

About Comar
Comar, headquartered in Voorhees, NJ, has 11 strategic manufacturing locations and employs a host of plastic molding technologies, including injection molding, injection blow molding, injection stretch blow molding, and extrusion blow molding, which are complemented by a full suite of value-added services. For 75+ years, Comar has partnered with clients to launch high-impact packaging and medical solutions —transforming them from concept to reality, where they can positively impact the world around us. Comar, earning a Silver Medal, ranks among the top 15% of companies assessed by EcoVadis, underscoring its commitment to environmental, social, and ethical responsibility. Comar is majority-owned by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners.