William A Foster once said that ‘quality is never an accident’. Quality is always a result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skilful execution and represents the wise choice of many alternatives. As the backbone to the success of any industry, manufacturers need to aspire to ensure that the highest quality is attained. Compliance with product standards becomes imperative for quality assurance.
In Zambia, the manufacturing sector is identified as a key sector for not only economic growth but also economic recovery. Several policies have been put in place to revamp the manufacturing sector, key being SI No 110 of 2020 which suspends customs duties on manufacturing inputs. Further, the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has been engaged by the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry to implement the Proudly Zambian Campaign in which efforts are directed to help grow the sector by promoting the consumption of high-quality local products and services that make perfect substitutes to the imported products.
Key to the determination of quality goods accredited to the Proudly Zambian Campaign is the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS). ZAM and ZABS have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to ensure that manufactured products in Zambia are of the highest quality and also increase awareness of product standards for the manufacturing sector. Through the guidelines of quality assurance, ZABS certifies that companies on the campaign meet the set standards to adhere to health, safety and environmental regulations that manufacturers ought to be compliant to.
Product standardisation comes with many advantages to the manufacturers once guidelines and procedures are adhered to. Not only does the product speak for itself, but consumers who include the general public and likely markets such as chain stores, mines, hotels and lodges are guaranteed of high-quality products that are safe, fit for consumption and do not pose health hazards. Standardisation also assures them that they will receive consistency in the product and or service. Additionally, a standardised quality product will give a consumer loyalty to the branding as that consumer will have a lower range of products to pick from, since the consumer is able to identify products that do not meet standards and avoid them.
Other benefits associated with standardisation extend to the export market. Certified products and services guarantee the market of high quality, they therefore, become more acceptable and competitive on the international market. A change in country does not mean a change in quality. All products and services must be proven to be safe, environmentally friendly and healthy for consumption. Marks of quality such as the Proudly Zambian Campaign logo and the ZABs logo assure that the products have been tested and found to meet all requirements to pass the certification test.
Standardised products will also enable manufactures to export their products and explore the international market. This does not only benefit the manufacturers but the nation at large through revenue generated from taxes on exports. Additionally, as the consumption of the goods and services increases, it entails increased output which requires more labour. This ultimately creates employment and provides citizens with an income to sustain their livelihoods.
Moreover, there are opportunities for manufacturers to be innovative and create standards. For instance, indigenous Zambian foods like ‘Chibwantu’, ‘Munkoyo’ and ‘Chikanda’ may need to be exported. Such goods will not have an already set international or regional standard and the manufacturer can work with ZABs to set the standard which can then be shared with other standard bodies under the International Standards Organisation (ISO). Besides ZABs also certify management processes guidelines. Where manufacturers want to reduce cost of production and increase efficiency utilising ZABs would exempt the manufacturer from building processes from scratch but utilise already existing procedures which.
Additionally, where manufacturers may not be so sure of the standards and procedures required in the production of certain products and services, they should utilise ZAM to seek guidance from ZABS. Manufacturers are highly encouraged to follow the set standards developed by the ZABS and are free to seek guidance from ZAM on how to obtain certification to provide assurance to consumers of high quality.
