Easier quality control: Combining problem classification with time series analysis

Operations managers sometimes fail to take advantage of effective techniques for quality assurance. This article introduces a new streamlined approach to statistical quality control; Acar’s problem classification scheme is combined with current statistical methodology. The proposed method provides a more systematic approach to quality assurance and a smoother implementation than many current systems. The suggested approach is particularly suited for on-line use in real time as, for example, part of a flexible manufacturing system.