TQM: A System Rarely Used by SMEs, Yet It Can Make Customers Keep Coming Back

Have you ever wondered why some businesses are quiet even though their food tastes good? 

It could be because they don’t have a structured system. Now is the time to get to know TQM (Total Quality Management) — one of the keys to maintaining quality and making customers return.

Unfortunately, this system is still rarely used by SMEs. Yet if you knew the benefits, you would definitely rethink why you underestimated it before.

Let’s dive into why TQM is so important for culinary businesses, with a light and easy-to-apply approach.

What Is TQM?

Simply put, TQM is a management approach that focuses heavily on quality.

Not only in the product itself, but in all business processes. From sourcing raw materials, arranging menus, to greeting customers—everything must have quality.

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a system that teaches you to consistently maintain quality.

Not just once or twice, but continuously. So, your business quality is not a matter of luck, but the result of planned hard work.

What is meant by TQM is a strategy that involves everyone in your business. From the owner to the newest employee, everyone has a role.

Read also: What is a Reservation? Learn the Benefits and Practical Ways of Making Online Reservations.

Why Do Many UMKM Still Not Use It?

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One reason is because TQM is often thought to be only for large companies. Many SME owners feel this system is complicated or unsuitable for them.

In fact, if you understand how to apply it, the strategy in implementing TQM is something that can definitely be applied at a small scale.

For example, by creating kitchen SOPs, giving regular staff training, and listening to customer feedback.

Precisely because your business is still small, it is very important to have a strong system foundation. And TQM is one of the most realistic solutions.

Signs Your Business Needs TQM Right Now

As a culinary business owner, you may have experienced these:

• Employees / cooks / staff prepare food in different ways
• Customers complain about the same things repeatedly
• Revenue suddenly drops for no clear reason.

If so, it’s time you learned about TQM — a system that can help you organize everything more systematically.

Through TQM, all processes become uniform. Employees understand the standards they must follow. Customers are satisfied because the quality is consistent.

More importantly, TQM helps you avoid constantly handling small technical matters that can actually be delegated.

Easy Ways to Start TQM for SMEs

Don’t worry, you don’t need to make drastic changes right away. Start with small things:

• Create operational standards; every task must have clear guidelines.
• Invite your team to discuss, because what is meant by TQM is teamwork, and you need input from every line.
• Check and evaluate regularly, for example weekly, to discuss what has worked and what still needs improvement.
• Listen to customers; their feedback is very important to help you know which areas need fixing.

So, it’s clear that the strategy in implementing TQM is a set of practical steps you can start from now.

Positive Impact of TQM on Satisfaction and Performance

Customers quickly lose interest if your service quality is inconsistent. Today the food tastes great, tomorrow it’s too salty.

If this continues, they will look elsewhere. TQM is the solution to maintain consistency.

No more “surprise” flavors—everything is standardized. As a result, customers trust and stay loyal.

Moreover, TQM is very important in entrepreneurship because it makes you realize the importance of feedback. Even complaints can become opportunities to grow.

One thing that sets TQM apart from other systems is culture. What is meant by TQM is building a positive work culture.

Your team becomes more disciplined, has a sense of ownership, and takes pride in their work.

All of that doesn’t happen if you don’t have a system that values each individual’s role.

Again, TQM is the foundation for your team to work in sync—and this is critical if you want to expand your business.

Read also: Want Your Culinary Business to Grow? Implement These 4 F&B Services

Why SMEs Should Pay Attention to TQM

We live in an era where customers can easily compare one business with another. Just open an app and look at ratings and reviews.

If your service is sloppy, everyone can see it. That’s why TQM is very important in entrepreneurship.

Especially if you’re in the culinary business where competition is tough. Through TQM, you can offer customers something better.

Challenges of Implementing TQM in SMEs and How to Overcome

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is meant by TQM?

A management approach to maintain overall quality and involve the whole team.

2. What are the benefits of TQM for SMEs?

Increases efficiency, customer satisfaction, productivity, and competitiveness.

3. Is TQM only for large businesses?

No. With a simple and consistent approach, SMEs can also apply it.

4. What are common challenges in implementation?

It requires training, evaluation, and commitment; but step-by-step implementation is sufficient.

5. How to start TQM easily?

Create simple SOPs, involve the team, evaluate regularly, and respond to customers.

Conclusion

No matter how creative your business idea is, if service is messy, customers will leave.

TQM is a system you must understand and apply—especially if you want to build a strong culinary brand in today’s fast-paced era.

If you need a digital system to support operations—from cashier, stock, to reporting—ESB provides a complete ecosystem to support your culinary business efficiently and according to quality standards.

Contact the ESB Team now to get the right and comprehensive solutions so that your team and system become more solid and consistent!