An integrated quality systems approach to quality and productivity improvement in continuous manufacturing processes

An integrated quality systems methodology is presented as a framework within which the concepts of process control can be used to improve quality and productivity. The process is mathematically described by stochastic time series models which statistically describe how inputs and outputs interact. Several different methods for fault identification, including autocorrelation checks of the model residuals, forecasting prediction intervals, and the cusum chart are compared in terms of relative performance. A helix cable manufacturing process is simulated and analyzed by the methodology and faults are identified and suggestions are made for process improvement. Through the simulation these time series control chart methods are shown to be much more effective than conventional methods such as Shewhart control charts.