Inspection, Learning and Process Quality Improvement Activity in Single and Multi-stage Manufacturing systems

This research starts from the notion that inspection-, learning- and process quality improvement activity in manufacturing systems are interrelated. Using a cost of quality perspective, a model is proposed and analyzed to increase insight in the integrated management of these activities. For a single stage setting a simple condition is derived under which management should always try to improve the process quality while inspecting for defect removal. If the condition holds, the derived policy supports the recommendations of the total quality theory to inspect and improve quality, even when inspection does not seem economical on its own merits. Further the analysis underpins the optimality of continuous improvement efforts in the presence of a persistent slip in process quality. For a multi-stage setting the optimality of interrupted inspection and improve policies is shown. The performance of an un-interrupted policy common in industries with high innovation rates is analyzed.

Information: Dr. R. Jans, E-mail: rjans@rsm.nl, Tel. 010-4082774