Integrated control chart system – optimization of sample sizes, sampling intervals and control limits

This research work proposes algorithms for the optimization design of an integrated control chart system monitoring a multi-stage and multi-stream manufacturing system. The optimization design is carried out under resource constraints, such as operators equipped with measuring instruments. The effectiveness of the chart system is improved and the product quality is enhanced with minimum additional cost and effort. Furthermore, the optimal control chart system can be utilized and understood by shop floor operators as easily as the traditional system. Useful guidelines are established to aid the users to adjust the sample sizes, sampling intervals and control limits of the control charts in a system. The proposed algorithms are illustrated through an example.