What is Belfield IQ?
Advancing the Practice of Quality
Belfield IQ is a framework designed to advance the quality of manufactured products.
It emerged from the persistent observation that many manufacturers struggle with complex quality problems. For too long, the discipline of industrial problem solving has been undervalued, despite the pressing need to strengthen this capability.
We view problem solving as a form of applied research , an investigation into processes to reveal their weak points. The insights gained are then extended to identify broader applications across the production system.
In this approach, problem solving is the toolkit, but the true outcome is the development of a production system that consistently delivers high yield.
Our Mission
Our mission is to raise awareness in the manufacturing industry that problem solving is a critical function best served by a dedicated team.
Belfield IQ
Every manufacturer should be the undisputed expert in making their own products. Yet too often, defects, waste, and recurring problems stand in the way of true excellence.
At Belfield IQ, our mission is to change that. Through advanced problem solving training, we help you develop a pathway for learning, mastery, and lasting improvement.
Belfield IQ is not just a method; it is a framework that helps manufacturers move beyond firefighting and take measurable steps toward excellence in quality.
How does it work?
You, or your management team, makes a commitment to designate a small group to problem solving. This is a full-time role within the company. These people get sharper with every problem solved. The goal is to have world-class problem solvers on your team.
A problem management system is created for your company. Problems are quantified and ranked so you know you are working on the most important problems that are highest cost/risk to the company.
Belfield provides training and certification for your problem solvers. Our course material is different and better than anything out there. You will approach problem solving like a detective solves a crime and you will have a toolkit that you have not seen before.
As part of your problem management system, when new knowledge is uncovered you will find additional areas to apply this new knowledge. What improves one process may improve another.
Note that this also feeds into your risk management activity for new products and processes. Your next FMEA will benefit from lessons learned.
Your key performance indicators include the cost of poor quality and your rolled throughput yield numbers which you compare against yourselves in previous months as well as against industry benchmarks.
You will question why you hadn't started this sooner. The truth is, most manufacturers dismiss the importance of problem solving and assume that smart people will just figure it out. But problem solving is a technical skill and needs to be learned.
Belfield Academy
Belfield Academy is our online training platform where you can register for courses and start right away. All courses come with a certificate and our Industrial Problem Solving - Advanced Techniques course can result in a certification as a Problem Solving Journeyman or Problem Solving Master
Belfield Investigative Method
For many, problem solving starts out with brainstorming. But that's a creative tool. Problem solving is an investigation into a process that yields some defects. You want to approach it like a detective solving a crime. This course teaches many tools that can develop you and your team into world class problem solvers.
Advanced Quality Engineering
Quality engineers are among your most valuable people and yet many companies have them performing technical administration tasks. Don't waste that talent, develop it and assign them to solving your tough problems. They will develop key insights into your processes with every project.
Innovation
Problem solving acts as the engine for innovation by discovering insights that were previously overlooked or unknown. Solutions to problems in one process become improvement opportunities in other areas of your factory.
Problem Management
We manage complex problems not as mere repairs, but as focused research. We establish clarity by assigning costs and ownership, then track status to ensure resources are progressing. A final, crucial step is the proactive sharing and systemic deployment of successful solutions across the entire plant to multiply our gains.
Competitive Edge
Solved problems save big money and generate new knowledge. This knowledge applies to several other areas of the factory. It also gets added to your list of things to look for in your next FMEAs. You learn to control the things that can hurt you and all this gives you a competitive advantage.