ENBIS: European Network for Business and Industrial Statistics

Real Time Statistical Process Control of the Quantity of Product in Prepackages.

21 September 2009, 15:05 – 15:25

Abstract

Submitted by

Cristina Barros

Authors

Cristina Alexandra Amaral Castanheira Barros Orfão Virgílio Cruz Machado

Affiliation

School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Sinmetro Lda and UNIDEMI, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University

Abstract

With the aim of establishing a global strategy to control the quantity of product in prepackages, an integrated planning model based on statistical tools was developed. This model is able to manage the production functions concerning legal metrological requirements. These requirements are similar throughout the world as they are based on the R-87: 2004 (E) recommendation from the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).

Based on the principles of statistical process control a methodology to analyze the quantity of product in prepackages in real time was proposed; routine inspections, condition monitoring of the main components and friendly comprehension of the outputs were taken into account. In addition, software of data acquisition, registration to guarantee traceability and treatment for decisions, which can be configured for any kind of filling process, were introduced.

The impact of this system, named ACCEPT (computer based help for the statistic control of filling processes) on industry is demonstrated by a number of companies that are using it to control their processes. Actually, more than 50 companies and thousands of operators with very low qualifications are working every day with SPC tools; although their limited qualifications, the system provides them the capability analysis for minimizing variability and waste (for example: over filling), to ensure compliance and to guarantee consumers rights.

In this paper we will describe how we developed this methodology for the statistical quantity control processes of prepackagers; a number of different case studies based on the type of product, packaging, production, filling line and system of data acquisition will be presented.

REFERENCES
[1] Barros, C.A.A.C (2005). Statistical Process Control of the quantity of product in prepackages Master of Science Dissertation, FCT/UNL, Monte da Caparica.

[2] Ming-Well Lu & Rudy R. J. (2002). Discussion the Article - Process Capability Indices-A Review, 1992-2000. Journal of Quality Technology, 34.

[3] Montgomery, D.C., (1997). Introduction to Statistical Quality Control, 3ª ed., John Wiley & Sons,EUA.

[4] Woodall, W. H. (2000). Controversies and Contradictions in Statistical Process Control. Journal of Quality Technology, 32, n.º 4, pp. 341-350.

[5] Woodall, W. H. e Montgomery, D. C. (1999). Research Issues and Ideas in Statistical Process Control. Journal of Quality Technology, 31, n.º 4, pp. 376- 386.

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