I am always looking for a simpler method of recording in-process inspection data. Seems as if I am never happy with our system.

I would appreciate any input for a simple solution.

Current scenario:

Machine shop - using a frequency based recording by work sequence.

ISO 9001:2000 Registered

thanks in advance for your input.

I am always looking for a simpler method of recording in-process inspection data. Seems as if I am never happy with our system.

I would appreciate any input for a simple solution.

Current scenario:

Machine shop - using a frequency based recording by work sequence.

ISO 9001:2000 Registered

thanks in advance for your input.Wow! Congratulations on your first post in the "business" forums of the Cove!:applause:

From my experience with countless machine shops [plenty of boring anecdotes in my 6000+ posts], I would say the primary criteria for a method depend on the number of different products as well as the number of different in-process measurements you make.

For example, if you make only one or two products but make hundreds of thousands to millions of them, it makes sense to consider investing in direct-to-computer inspection equipment which will automatically hold the raw data and allow you to massage the data, set up alerts, etc. for a relatively trouble-free SPC program.

Alternately, if you are a typical contract machining organization (job shop), you will be making as many Control Plans as you have products. Each Control Plan will have an inspection plan for in-process and final inspection, as well as first piece and first article inspection. Depending on the amount of capital available and the profit margins on each product, you may be willing to invest the capital in a series of direct-to-computer measurement devices to cover all or a majority of the products and depend on maintaining a pen and ink log of the in-process inspection for each product on each machine or process where you decide in-process inspection is worthwhile.