John Blakemore: A Quality Engineering Maestro
John Blakemore: A Quality Engineering Maestro
Professional Journey
With a career spanning over 15 years, John Blakemore has emerged as a luminary in the field of Quality Engineering. His journey began in the dynamic realm of electric motors, generators, and transformers, where he delved into the intricacies of ISO9001 back in 2008. This marked his initial foray into the world of quality management, setting the stage for a trajectory marked by innovation and excellence.
From 2010 to 2017, John played a pivotal role in establishing the framework for a new Contract Electronics Manufacturer (CEM), obtaining ISO9001:2008 and later navigating the transition to the 2015 standard. This period laid the foundation for his expertise in quality systems and set the tone for future milestones.
In 2017, John embraced a new challenge, stepping into the realm of medical devices manufacturing with a larger CEM. This phase introduced him to the intricacies of ISO13485:2016, where his responsibilities encompassed managing and maintaining elements of the Quality Management System (QMS), including CAPA, continual improvement, quality planning, and risk management.
The year 2020 witnessed a career side-step as John ventured into the realm of start-ups, contributing his quality engineering skills to a company specializing in anti-bacterial hard surface wiping products. Within 12 months, he successfully navigated the intricacies of ISO9001:2015, showcasing his adaptability and versatility in transferring his quality skills to a vastly different product landscape.
In 2021, John took on his current role, re-immersing himself in electronics and PCB assembly with Datalink. As a Quality Engineer at Datalink, an ISO9001 and 13485 certified company, he grapples with the challenges of a continually evolving role. Datalink, known for its excellent QMS and high standards, is exploring additional certifications such as ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management and EN9100:2018 Aviation, Space, and Defense.
Expertise and Methodologies
At Datalink, John’s expertise shines through in his involvement with New Product Introductions (NPI) and First Article Inspection (FAI) processes. His contributions extend to the creation of Device History Records (DHR) in the medical domain, showcasing his proficiency in diverse quality methodologies.
One of John’s key tools in establishing root cause analysis is the Five Why method. Implementing this iterative interrogative technique into the Datalink Internal Defect System exemplifies his commitment to enhancing in-house quality tools and processes.
Continuous Improvement
As part of the Engineering Team at Datalink, John actively fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Weekly analysis of Quality and Engineering data serves as the bedrock for potential improvements. Defect and quality data from the Internal Defect Reporting (IDR) database are scrutinized on a monthly basis, providing valuable insights into product quality and areas for enhancement.
Collaboration and Communication
John’s commitment to effective communication is exemplified by the weekly Engineering/Quality Meetings and the IDR Meetings. These platforms facilitate collaboration with key stakeholders, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly and corrective actions are implemented effectively.
Adaptability to Industry Changes
In an industry marked by constant evolution, John ensures he stays abreast of the latest quality engineering trends and standards. The occasional use of consultants and regular attendance at seminars and courses are testaments to his commitment to remaining at the forefront of industry best practices.
Key Learnings and Advice
Reflecting on his rich career, John emphasizes the importance of gaining hands-on experience, particularly in manufacturing. His advice to aspiring quality engineers is to step out of their comfort zones, gain diverse experiences, and understand the common framework of standards. The ability to relate these standards across various sectors, from class 1 medical devices to food production, underscores the depth of his insights.
John’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the realm of Quality Engineering. As he continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of quality management, John Blakemore stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring professionals in the field.
