Reinhard Vilbrandt

Do we need total quality management in fusion engineering? — Experience from construction of W7-X

The performance of all quality management (QM) and assurance (QA) activities in the project W7-X is a very complex task. If we understand QM as a request for continuous reflection on present tasks and on the best way to improve the processes with respect to the scientific and technical aims, it is a useful management tool. We can learn from industry but we have to adapt the system to our own requirements which differ and are more complex.

Quality Management System in Fusion Research – Experience from W7-X

The execution of quality management (QM) and quality assurance activities in the construction of a fusion device is a very complex task. Nevertheless, QM is a useful management tool, if we comprehend QM as the request for continuous reflection on present tasks and on the best way to improve the processes with respect to the scientific and technical aims. Therefore, a quality management system has been introduced for the Wendelstein 7-X construction project. A lot of experience exists in industry but for such one-of-a-kind construction projects of an experimental device, we have to adapt the system to our own requirements which differ and are more complex.