Computer-integrated quality

An important aspect of food processing, common with other processing industries, is yield of finished product from starting raw materials for any shift and for specific unit operations. Computer-integrated manufacturing can start with the measurement of material flows and build upon this information. Instrumentation for the on-line measurement of specific food qualities of importance lo the consumer such as Food flavor, aroma, texture, and microbial content arc under development. These quality factors... 

Despite these limitations, both systems offer a considerable improvement over the previously introduced methods. They are considerably less labor intensive and thus may result in substantial cost reduction. Setup and operation of the units is simple, and both systems can be easily integrated into existing computer-driven quality assurance programs. 

QA = quality assurance QC = quality control SQC = statistical quality control SPC = statistical process control CIM = computer-integrated manufacturing. 

Christensen, S.L., Anglov, J.T.B., Christensen, J.M., Olsen, E. and Poulsen, O.M. (1993) Application of a new AMIQAS computer program for integrated quality control, method evaluation and profidency testing. Fresenius Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 345, 343-50. 

Lines can operate with different degrees of automation via computer-integrated PCs providing improvements in operating procedures and quality assurance with the result that rejects are reduced (if not eliminated) and fabricating costs are usually reduced. These closed loop systems maintain long term repeatability of factors such as melt velocity and pressure. All this action occurs independent of what could be occurring with equipment component wear, unbalance of equipment in the line, and/or plastic material variations. 

Integrated quality system, see Computer-aided quality-management system Integrated simulation, 320 Integrated solutions business model, 603 Integrated system, creation of, 1009-1010 Integration ... 

If computer-integrated resin handling systems are considered, one must compare their operating procedures with one s process requirements. These process requirements describe the flow of resin and product through the system, which determines the system s electronic architecture. Pertinent considerations include batch vs. continuous operations, the type and number of conveying lines, resin storage and distribution, quality control means and procedures, inventory control, the type and quantity of process parameter sensors, the type and quantity of controlled devices, modes (automatic, semiautomatic, manual, and/or shutdown modes), process information, process management controls, and centralized vs. local operation (Fig. 9-1). 

Richart, F.E., Brandtzaeg, A., and Brown, R.L. (1929), The failure of plain and spirally reinforced concrete in compression . University of Illinois Bulletin, No. 190. Scholliers, J., and Van Brussel, H. (1994), Computer-integrated filament winding Computer-integrated design, robotic filament winding and robotic quality control . Comp. Manuf, 5(1), 15-23... 

Automated assembly complements an overall, computer-integrated manufacturing infrastructure already in place with the other assembly steps that, in turn, facilitate process flow, quality control, and product changeover. 

McKeown, P., (1992), "Implementing quality improvement programmes", Robotics Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Vol. 9 No. 4/5, pp. 311-20. 

The training and education process for plants in Mexico has also changed. Eor example, today six national conferences focus on productivity and quality improvements, and productivity and quality centers have been established all over Mexico. Schools such as the Monterey Technical University utilize innovative methods in teaching industrial technology. They have one of the most advanced CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) labs in all of the Americas (including the United States and Canada). 

Continuous quality improvement, flexibility, and fast product changeover, market focus, short product life cycles, total system optimization which includes just-in-time raw material and product delivery, computer-integrated manufacturing, and partnering with customers will ail be second nature to successful companies. Technology will play a critical role in all this and no nation or part of the world will have a monopoly. Execution of these skills will often be a key differentiator among competitors. 

To operate the MPI or LPI equipment at stable and reprodncable inspection conditions modern units are equipped with a monitoring and control system called "Quality Assurance Package" (termed QAP). The QAP System is ba.sed on an industrial PC with a bus system and field sensors. It ensures that process parameters important for the reproducability of the MPI or LPI are controlled an held between defined limits by a central computer system. It can be adapted to any old system, as well as integrated into new systems. 

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