Dynamic manufacturing process control

A business need existed for a data management system to combine raw material quality data, in-process statistical control data, and the resulting customer satisfaction data in a manufacturing environment. No system existed that analyzed these three sets of data to optimize customer satisfaction. Therefore, an expert system was developed to fill this need. It includes a relational database for correlating data about the manufacturing process and customer needs. The Customer Quality Analysis (CQA) system has been implemented as a pilot program within IBM. The program that initiated the development of this data management system is highlighted, then specific materials applications are discussed. The authors conclude with suggestions for possible extensions of this process into other manufacturing process areas