Harnessing digital tools for better reliability and quality in high-voltage

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Harnessing digital tools for better reliability and quality in high-voltage

In the fast-evolving world of high-voltage product development, quality isn’t just a box to check – it’s the cornerstone of reliability, safety, and long-term success. Prioritizing quality means ensuring that every component, from design to delivery, meets exacting standards. But as systems become more complex and regulations more stringent, ensuring quality across the life cycle of a product requires more than traditional methods.

Digitalization has emerged as the linchpin in this endeavor. By enabling data accessibility, traceability, and streamlining quality management, digitalization allows us to navigate this journey with precision and confidence.

Let’s explore why quality matters and how we can leverage digital platforms that are reshaping product component quality, as well as lessons we can draw from other industries to build a robust quality-focused approach in high-voltage. You can also learn more about our data-driven quality management system in the latest Power Pulse episode: Why you need digital tools to elevate product quality .

Why quality is king in high-voltage

In high-voltage engineering and development, you can’t afford to play fast and loose with quality. We’re talking about technologies that handle thousands – sometimes millions – of volts. A single weak link in the chain could spell disaster, not just for the equipment, but for the people using it – and that’s something we can never risk. 

To put it into perspective, consider high-voltage products like the foundation of a very long bridge. If one of the key supports is flawed, it might not be immediately obvious. But over time, under stress, wear and tear will happen. That small weakness can lead to the entire structure collapsing. This is why prioritizing quality isn’t optional; it’s essential.

At Hitachi Energy, quality, along with safety and integrity, is our license to operate. Prioritizing quality at every stage of development ensures that the product is not only reliable but safe. And with digital tools at our disposal, tracking and managing quality records have become a much more optimized process.

Here are key reasons why high-voltage demands an unwavering commitment to quality in all aspects:
 

• Safety always comes first 
  In high-voltage, there’s no room for cutting corners, especially when it comes to safety. High-voltage systems often operate under extreme conditions. Faulty components can pose serious safety risks, including electrical fires and shocks. Ensuring every component meets rigorous quality standards helps protect both users and personnel.

• Avoid long-term cost of errors 
  Investing in high-quality components can lead to substantial savings over time with fewer repairs and replacements, which can otherwise build up to significant expenses over the product’s lifespan.

• Enhanced operational efficiencies
  Reliable components operate more efficiently, which can lead to lower energy costs and less strain on associated systems. Efficient performance minimizes the need for additional resources or backup systems.

Learn all about the power of a quality mindset combined with digital tools that enable Hitachi Energy to deliver reliable products and solutions consistently. Give the latest Power Pulse podcast episode a listen.

Traceability: The power cord of quality control

Imagine you’re an electrician wiring up a complex system. Halfway through, you realize there’s an issue – somewhere. Without a detailed wiring map, finding that problem could take hours or even days. But with a precise blueprint, you can track it down in minutes. This is exactly what digital traceability does for high-voltage product development.

Advanced digital tools such as Hitachi Energy’s Digital Passport System allow teams to track each part of the product’s journey, from development and testing to delivery. Here’s a closer look at why traceability is so valuable:

1. Streamlining recall processes 
   If a problem is discovered in the final product, traceability helps pinpoint which component, component batch, or production stage has that issue. By enabling manufacturers to quickly identify and retrieve affected products, manufacturers can efficiently manage and execute recalls with minimal disruption.
   
   After a recall, traceability facilitates a thorough analysis of the root cause and effectiveness of the process. By reviewing traceability data, manufacturers can better identify weaknesses in certain quality control processes and implement corrective actions to enhance product reliability.

2. Enhancing compliance and documentation 
   Detailed records of material sources, manufacturing processes, supplier data, and testing results support compliance with industry standards and regulatory bodies in high-voltage. This thorough and comprehensive documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance with quality management systems and simplifies the audit process by providing a clear and organized record of all quality control activities.
    

3. Improving supply chain management
   When done consistently, traceability provides visibility into the entire supply chain, helping manage supplier performance and ensure that all component factors meet the expected quality standards. This can prevent issues related to substandard materials or practices. It helps identify patterns or recurring issues with specific suppliers, allowing for better management of supplier relationships. Listen to the recent Power Pulse episode where Salvatore Alimentato offers expert insights about supplier relationships and building trust.

    

The future of high-voltage quality is digital

The days of manual quality checks are behind us. As high-voltage products become more advanced and interconnected, digital tools are no longer a luxury – they’re a necessity. By embracing digital tools, teams can prioritize quality with newfound clarity and efficiency. Not only do these platforms provide the necessary traceability to mitigate risks, but they also foster a culture of continuous improvement – a mindset that we have at Hitachi Energy. Quality ensures that innovation isn’t just about creating something new, but about creating something that lasts, performs safely, and meets the highest standards over time.