Control Plan use on the manufacturing floor

[JGaspervich]

We are having a debate in our company if we should have the control plan available on the manufacturing floor to one able to reference key operating process parameters. Some feel that only operation specific work instructions should be on the floor and the control plan document should not be used by operators. Does anyone have any feedback on practices for how they use the control plan in the everyday work environment for manufacturing?

 

[optomist1]

I do not see a down side to using it on the Mfg floor.....pretty certain if your customer SQA conducts an audit, inspection, etc., they will likely bring the FMEA and CP on the floor to walk through both...

 

[Howard Atkins]

I have seen both options
You need to be certain that the operators understand the control plans that can be and ususally the type size is not easy to read.
Many CPs do not have all the parameters.
Have you generic or very specific CPs?, what level of changes on the lines do you have?
All this effects the number of times that they need to be changed and controlled.
Where will they be placed?
There are many logistic points to think about

 

[Ron Rompen]

I agree with Howard - although this does have some upsides, it needs to be carefully thought out and implemented. Ensuring the operators understand the documentation they have is essential, whether it is a control plan, an SWI, or just a tally sheet.

 

[Tagin]

We are having a debate in our company if we should have the control plan available on the manufacturing floor to one able to reference key operating process parameters. Some feel that only operation specific work instructions should be on the floor and the control plan document should not be used by operators. Does anyone have any feedback on practices for how they use the control plan in the everyday work environment for manufacturing?

If its felt that there is value in this information for the operators, then my approach would be to update the work instructions to include references to the key operating process parameters. This allows them to be
1) immediately accessible,
2) within a single document for the floor,
3) the wording and style can be crafted for the operators, instead of control plan people.