INTEGRATED QUALITY SYSTEMS AND ASSEMBLY LINES.

This paper presents an approach to the design and operation of integrated quality systems which is based on building blocks and analytical frameworks. The building blocks are models of single-stage processes and quality control windows, which are properly placed closed-loop controllers ensuring that the processes meet their quality and productivity objectives. A process-based model spanning the product life cycle is presented as an analytical framework. The approach is applied to the selection of quality control windows along an assembly line, with emphasis on process control. The application demonstrates the significant impact of process control and the direct relationship between quality and productivity.