Quality Control and Process Optimization Flashcards
7 cards from real CPM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Quality Control and Process Optimization flashcards as text
What is the role of an Andon system in a lean manufacturing environment?
Answer: To visually signal abnormal conditions so problems can be addressed immediately
Andon systems provide real-time visual (and sometimes audio) alerts when abnormalities occur, enabling immediate response and problem resolution.
A quality engineer calculates a process sigma of 1.5 for a critical dimension. Which corrective action is most appropriate?
Answer: Immediately investigate and implement process improvements to raise capability
A process sigma of 1.5 indicates very poor capability (roughly 93.3% yield), requiring urgent investigation and improvement actions.
In value stream mapping, what does 'takt time' represent?
Answer: The available production time divided by customer demand rate
Takt time is the rate at which products must be completed to meet customer demand: available production time ÷ units demanded.
Which statistical tool is most appropriate for determining if two process variables are correlated?
Answer: Scatter diagram with correlation coefficient
A scatter diagram plots paired data points and the correlation coefficient (r) quantifies the strength and direction of the relationship.
A plant switches from mass inspection to statistical process control (SPC). What is the primary operational benefit?
Answer: Detects process shifts early to prevent defect production rather than sorting defects after production
SPC monitors process behavior in real time, allowing operators to detect and correct process shifts before defective products are produced.
What is a rational subgroup in the context of control charts?
Answer: A sample collected under homogeneous conditions to capture only common cause variation within the group
Rational subgroups are collected from process output under uniform conditions so that variation within the group reflects only common causes.
Which approach best describes continuous improvement (Kaizen) in a manufacturing plant?
Answer: Small, incremental improvements made continuously by all employees at all levels
Kaizen emphasizes ongoing, small, incremental improvements involving all employees, from operators to management, rather than large episodic changes.