Quality Architecture: A Concept for Quality Manufacturing

Extract

An engineer or a research scientist developing a new process is not often encouraged to build quality systems into the product or manufacturing process. However, today's market places greater emphasis and focus on stability and reliability of manufactured products. Corning has developed “quality architecture” to help engineers and scientists define and build the system elements that allow quality to be built into a product, rather than rely on inspection. A researcher or engineer can then provide a first-generation prototype of the quality systems, in addition to the first-generation prototypes of equipment and processes.

What is Quality Architecture?

Quality architecture involves designing a system that controls the manufacturing process in a stable and consistent manner, and provides for continuous improvement. The architecture defines and ensures the appropriate interdependence between product specifications, materials used in and by the process, product and process measurements, statistical process control and information systems. This results in a consistent and reliable product—features valued in today's market.