Any insights into how Rivian Quality Control is actually implemented?

[GA_Rivian]

I was listening to Hidden Brain on MTPR last night, a segment entitled "Making the Most of your Mistakes", and it mentions one of the ways Toyota factories are run. I found the whole podcast worthwhile but for the impatient, the Toyota factory part is at about 27:34. It's an interesting short discussion; in essence, any factory line worker can pull a cord that shuts down the whole line when they see something that isn't up to spec. Potentially expensive, yet potentially saves many $ down the line, plus build reputation, etc. It made me wonder how things are done at Rivian. Does anyone have any insights?

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[sub]

Based on what I have seen (on my own vehicle, and on these forums) it looks like as long the vehicle isn't missing any critical parts and it can drive itself up the ramp onto the transport vehicle it is considered good enough for delivery.

Manufacturing defects are dealt with via service appointments after delivery even if they're super obvious.

My vehicle was delivered with cracked trim pieces, missing fasteners, tailgate so badly aligned that the paint was wearing off and the structure it was rubbing on deformed, multiple bolts loudly rolling around in cavities you can't get to, and a 4 inch dent that Rivian hasn't been able to repair after two attempts. There's no way anyone looked at the vehicle without noticing problems. They just chose to deliver the vehicle anyway.

 

[COdogman]

I don’t know all the controls in place for Rivian, but I know that each vehicle gets an inspection and is driven around the test track once. I don’t think they are anywhere near Toyota level quality or efficiency. One reason Toyota is so profitable is because they manage to produce so many vehicles with fewer factory employees than almost any other manufacturer.

To be fair though, Toyota also maintains their quality in large part because they stretch the life of popular models for decades only making small changes along the way (hello 4Runner). Rivian is literally doing the opposite of that. They are a new company trying to build the most advanced vehicles on the road.

Toyota will be put through the same wringer that Ford/ GM are going through when they try to pivot to more EVs.

 

[NY_Rob]

Rivian QC Supervisor...

 

[Tim-in-CA]

I think I found a picture of the actual process ….

 

[EarlyAdptr]

@GA_Rivian :

If you liked that story, you'll LOVE this 1 hour story from NPR's This American Life. The entire story is about Toyota and quality and how Toyota engages team members differently - with respect in order to raise quality. I found it fascinating....
This American Life: NUMMI

What does this have to do with Rivian? RJ studied at MIT which was basically ground zero for the US study of Toyota (Jim Womack: "Machine that Changed the World" and "Lean Thinking" and founder of Lean Enterprise Institute). Also, John Shook, former LEI CEO / Advisor and interviewed in the This American Life piece, was instrumental at bringing Toyota's production and people system to NUMMI and the US.

 

[GA_Rivian]

If you liked that story, you'll LOVE this <snip> about Toyota and quality and how Toyota engages team members differently <snip>.
This American Life: NUMMI

What does this have to do with Rivian? RJ studied at MIT which was basically ground zero for the US study of Toyota <snip>

Thanks, fascinating. Let's hope there are some lessons there going forward at Rivian. There's nothing quite like having a job where you love going to work doing something good.

 

[3121]

Q: So someone actually test drives and inspects the vehicles after they come off the line?

A: ...well no, my secretary... I mean...sometimes...

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