Process control uses statistics and engineering to ensure uniform output in any process, from water purification to space shuttle landings. Engineers define outcomes and implement measures to control the process, which can be highly automated. Statistical analysis and quality raters are used to maintain consistency and reliability.
Process control is the management of inputs to ensure uniform output no matter how many times a process is repeated. This can involve anything from water purification procedures to landing space shuttles safely and successfully. In process control, the principles of statistics and engineering are applied to a process to ensure regularity and repeatability. Automated systems are capable of exercising process control and can be programmed for various advanced functions.
Engineers very clearly define an outcome in process control, such as a finished product or a successful landing of an aircraft. This process can take batches; only one plane lands at a time, for example. It can also be continuous in nature. In an ice cream manufacturing plant, for example, the plant can keep pumping the ice cream continuously and doesn’t need to pause between batches.
Awareness of an outcome allows the company to put measures in place to control the process and to ensure that the outcome is reliable. The ice cream maker needs controlled temperatures for food safety and quality reasons, for example. It also needs ingredients, personnel to operate the equipment, and ready supplies to package the ice cream for sale. All of these become components of process control.
Some process controls can be highly automated. Programming can also teach a system how to compensate for minor problems before notifying the technicians. In the ice cream shop, thermostats measure temperatures and control the coolers. When they detect a temperature spike, they can increase the activity of chillers, but can send an alarm if the temperature exceeds a certain setting. In this case, the system controls the temperature unless a problem occurs and a technician is required to fix the problem.
Applying statistical analysis and graphs to a process can all be elements of process control. Engineers use this analysis to see where processes deviate and to determine how to prevent such deviations in the future. Their analysis can also provide important timing insights that can play a role in order management for products, facility planning, and other processes.
Quality raters can review the result to determine if it is consistent and reliable. They can also initiate audits at any stage of the process if they have concerns about safety or reliability. When systems start to fail, processes can become sloppy and retrofitting along with other procedures may be required to restore consistency.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
