Monitoring of the process is one of the key factors in planning, managing and improving a manufacturing process and a final product. Allowing rapid and effective action to be taken and identifying causes can prevent inadequate products to be delivered to a customer. Therefore, understanding and meeting the expectations of customers and mainly recognising their requirements is considered most important and effective element of the long-term viability.
This thesis elaborates on some key methods and instruments for monitoring, quality assurance and quality improvement of the processes and products. The purpose, application and benefits of quality assurance methods and instruments are described in detail. Effectiveness and application of the methods, instruments and techniques have been proven successful also in the practical example presented in this thesis.
The thesis provides an example of a current situation where a declining trend for Statistical Process Control (SPC) of dimensions 38,1 ± 0,1 mm was detected. This declining trend of the dimension is close to the lower tolerance threshold. On the basis of the description and the measurement it was established that the manufacturing process has altered and that it is not under control whereby action needs to be undertaken. I came to the conclusion that the demands of the customer were not met as well as that the manufactured products were not in line with the specifications. By using measurements and analyses I supported the claim/statement on uncontrolled manufacturing process and on non-fulfilment of customer's requirements. Additional systematic approach, quality methods and instruments as well as problem solving techniques have helped me to disclose the causes and to define appropriate measures to remedy deviations and to restore the compliance with the customer's requirements and in particular to improve the quality of the process and of the product.
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