. STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL AND PROBLEM SOLVING TOOLS

The application of statistical process control and problem solving tools

The application of statistical process control and problem solving tools

(1) - Critically assess how methods of statistical process control (SPC) have been applied by modern food manufacturing companies to control food quality standards. (40%) (ca. 1600words)

Statistical process control is a necessary part of modern food processing. The software chosen to satisfy basic food processing SPC needs will determine whether SPC is an awkward, intrusive task or a smoothly operating part of the process. It must not only collect quality data and produce control charts, but also provide those additional capabilities and analysis which make it the core of a well run and effective quality and process management system.

The successful implementation of Statistical Process Control (SPC) begins with the selection of the tools and methods best suited to the company's quality goals. Because manual charting can be burdensome and time-consuming, PC-based SPC using specialized software is preferable for routine charting and essential for process improvement studies. Numerous PC-based SPC software packages are readily available. Most, however, were created for discrete manufacturing such as auto parts machining, and consequently are limited in their application for other manufacturers. Food processors evaluating SPC software need to be aware of these shortcomings when making their selection: (Bob Raczynski and Bill Curtis 2008, 65-78)

Limited usability

Can the software handle both process and laboratory data? Is the software able to present critical process data in a way that is effective for each users role in the organization? Will you be able to select one package to meet the needs of all users?

Data limitations

Can descriptive, measurement, and defect data be viewed in and analyzed from the same data file? (Bob Raczynski and Bill Curtis 2008, 65-78)

Operator requirements

Can routine charting tasks be automated to reduce training time? Is unattended operation possible?

Rigidity

Can charts be configured to precisely meet internal Quality Control (QC) needs and still meet customer and regulatory reporting requirements? (Bob Raczynski and Bill Curtis 2008, 65-78)

Data isolation

Can the software easily collect process data? Can it accept instrument data? Can it share or exchange data with corporate or plantwide information systems? Can it easily deliver analytical results and reports to users throughout the organization?

Vendor awareness

Are the software developers knowledgeable about the issues and special requirements of the food processing industry? With the introduction of NWA Quality Analyst in 1985, Northwest Analytical, Inc. (NWA) made the needs of the food processing industry a special focus. Because NWA's development staff understands the needs and challenges faced in implementing SPC in the industry, NWA Quality Analyst is now the leading SPC software for food processors. Today, NWA Quality Analyst is used by small independents as well as major multinationals. Their applications range from internal QC and process improvement to vendor certification and regulatory compliance. Statistical Process Control has played a major role in controlling product's quality, since Shewhart developed the technique of using control chart and applying statistical concepts in the manufacturing ...