Purpose: The aim of the study was to modify the classic SCOR model to include a key area for manufacturing companies (quality control) and to propose a herarhical set of key performance indicators designed to measure the implementation of selected processes in line with reverse logistics and the idea of sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: The study addresses the topics of indicator analysis and sustainability in the context of quality control implementation. The developed set of metrics was based on a modified SCOR supply chain model taking into account quality control and reverse logistics. Findings: Using the assumptions of the SCOR model in constructing a set of metrics allows it to be extended in the context of key supply chain links as well as defining hierarchical performance measurement. Research limitations/implications: A limitation of the proposed model was the lack of consideration of important business processes (sales, marketing, product development). The SCOR model lacks a link to the strategy and objectives of the supply chains considered. Further research will look at extending the model with missing elements and detailing the quality control process as envisaged by the SCOR model at level two adequately to the types of quality control occurring in the manufacturing space (input, inter-operational and final quality control). Practical implications: The proposed universal set of indicators and yardsticks is intended to enable its implication in manufacturing enterprises in the form of a traditional model (no recycling) or under conditions of reverse logistics application. The model makes it possible to compare the two options and choose the more efficient one. Social implications: The developed model for analysing the efficiency of one link in the supply chain allows the efficiency of reverse logistics to be monitored, which is closely related to the implication of the concept of sustainability in manufacturing enterprises. Originality/value: Modification of the SCOR supply chain model to include quality control and the return aspect in the production context. Based on which, a proprietary set of indicators was developed.
Global trade in olive oil is on the rise. The growing interest in olive oil among consumers, who are increasingly incorporating it into their daily diet due to its health and nutritional benefits may result in lower-quality olive oil appearing on the retail market. The paper presents the results of tests conducted in 2021-2023 (Q3 2021, Q4 2022 and 2023) by the laboratories of the Main Inspectorate JHARS in Gdynia, Olsztyn and Poznań. The batches included in the scope of the tests came from all over the country. A total of 164 batches were subjected to laboratory tests (including 152 batches declared as the highest category, i.e. extra virgin olive oil). Olive oil samples were taken during IJHARS inspections at retail outlets, as well as at entities importing, exporting, bottling, storing and wholesaling olive oil. The purpose of the tests was to verify the compliance of the category of olive oil indicated by the producer with the category available on the domestic market. The analysis included tests of physicochemical and organoleptic parameters for compliance with applicable regulations and the manufacturer's declaration. The results obtained indicated that in most cases the declaration of olive oil quality on the product labeling did not comply with regulations. The quality of olive oil was lower (by 1 or 2 categories) in 67% of the products tested in 2021, 58.5% in 2022, and 76.5% in 2023.
Technika RFID pozwala na zautomatyzowanie procesów produkcyjnych, szczególnie w zakresie kontroli jakości, zarządzaniu zasobami i optymalizacji produkcji. W ramach przedstawionego rozwiązania zaprojektowany i skonstruowany został model laboratoryjny linii produkcyjnej, w którym zastosowano identyfikatory RFID do identyfikacji poprawności obróbki komponentu na różnych etapach przetwarzania oraz jego ostatecznego sortowania. Wyniki testów potwierdzają skuteczność systemu w klasyfikacji produktów oraz wskazują na wpływ orientacji i odległości pomiędzy identyfikatorami a czytnikami na wydajność systemu.
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RFID technology allows for the automation of production processes, especially in quality control, resource management and production optimization roles. In this study, a laboratory model of a production line was created, using RFID tags to identify the accurate processing of a component at several processing stages and its final sorting. Test results confirm the effectiveness of the system in product classification and show the influence of orientation and distance between tags and readers on system performance.
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Introduction: Regular quality control and verification of medical ultrasound systems are essential for maintaining high diagnostic accuracy. However, the high cost of commercial phantoms often limits their use, particularly in smaller healthcare facilities. This study aimed to develop a low-cost agar-based phantom and evaluate its suitability for ultrasound quality control. Material and methods: The phantom was constructed using a plexiglass container filled with a 30 g/L agar solution. Test structures of different sizes were incorporated using nylon threads, small wooden pieces, and agar mixed with graphite. Measurements were performed with Voluson 730 Expert and GE Healthcare LOGIQ α 100 systems. Results: Quality control tests included assessments of image uniformity, contrast resolution, spatial resolution, dead zone, maximum penetration depth, and geometric accuracy. The presence of targets of varying sizes enabled evaluations consistent with international quality assurance guidelines. During testing, several image artifacts and minor malfunctions were observed, likely resulting from trapped air bubbles or transducer imperfections, which could influence image interpretation. Nevertheless, the results indicate that the developed phantom performs reliably for key ultrasound quality control procedures. Conclusions: Its simple design, inexpensive materials, and adaptability make it particularly suitable for routine checks and training applications. Furthermore, its easy reproducibility allows customization for different clinical needs and equipment types. Overall, this study demonstrates that an agar-based phantom can serve as an effective, low-cost alternative to commercial models, supporting systematic quality control in ultrasound imaging. Such accessible solutions may help standardize testing procedures, enhance diagnostic consistency, and ultimately improve patient safety.
Marking outliers using available methods for identifying such observations should be a standard practice in the database management process. The research aimed to adapt universal data quality control tools and tests to their applicability in the southern Baltic Sea by setting new limit values, enabling the detection of erroneous or suspicious data, which can be subjected to expert verification at a later stage. This verification stage may include analysing current conditions and processes and determining the values measured at a given time and space. Our research has proven that using global algorithms requires adapting the limit values based on regional conditions. The global quality control tests, such as the spike test, Dixon’s 4(σ), Q-Dixon, Hampel, quartile, and gradient tests for oceanographic data, were examined, and their application in the research area was verified. As part of the task, a few tests were conducted in various areas of the Baltic Sea, and they were modified to adapt them to the research results of the southern Baltic Sea. Depending on the methodology adopted, verification tests result in the selection of suspicious observations, enabling their expert assessment and the final qualification of measurements that may be considered outliers.
This study examines the use of the R&R (Repeatability and Reproducibility) method to improve measurement accuracy in quality control. By analysing single-operator (repeatability) and inter-operator (reproducibility) variability, the R&R method assesses overall system reliability. A case study on automotive part measurements shows acceptable variability levels but highlights repeatability as the main source of inconsistency. To enhance accuracy, the study recommends operator training, standardized procedures, regular calibration, and a stable measurement environment (consistent temperature, humidity, and low vibration). These improvements aim to reduce variability and increase system reliability, ensuring more precise quality control. The findings demonstrate the R&R method’s value in identifying variability sources and guiding measurement process enhancements.
The purpose of this work is to present a concept of a methodology in the area of Attribute Agreement Analysis. The study was conducted using the process control of decorative paper (laminate) for furniture applications. The specificity of decorative paper quality control inspired the authors to propose a modification of the classical cross-tabulation method with the Cohen's Kappa coefficient, enabling the consideration of a multi-variant reference standard (mvREF). The results show that the proposed approach can solve the problem of the necessity of using the multi-variant reference standard (mvREF). To illustrate the proposed approach, a numerical example is used. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach is useful for Attribute Agreement Analysis.
Optymalizacja procesów w przemyśle farmaceutycznym jest zagadnieniem słusznie zyskującym na znaczeniu. Wzrasta też zainteresowanie sposobami podnoszenia efektywności procesów wytwórczych, w tym operacji realizowanych w laboratoriach kontroli jakości. Czy laboratorium mikrobiologiczne również stanowi płaszczyznę dla optymalizacji?
The article considers the issues of using control charts to detect the disruption of the technological process. The possible influence of measurement error on the correctness of decisions is considered. To ensure the statistical reliability of the decisions made, their plausibility, a priori probability is used. The effectiveness of assessing the compliance of the technological process with established standards is discussed, when the distributions of possible values of its parameters and errors of their measurements are uniform.
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W artykule rozważono kwestie wykorzystania kart kontrolnych do wykrywania zakłóceń procesu technologicznego. Uwzględniono możliwy wpływ błędu pomiarowego na poprawność podejmowanych decyzji. Dla zapewnienia statystycznej wiarygodności podejmowanych decyzji wykorzystuje się ich prawdopodobieństwo a priori. Omówiono skuteczność oceny zgodności procesu technologicznego z ustalonymi standardami, gdy rozkłady możliwych wartości jego parametrów i błędów ich pomiarów są jednorodne.
This case study reports a dataset enabling the analysis of heavy metal concentrations in sediments collected in the Oława River basin. The focus is on the ecological risk associated with six metals: copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd). The key information on the pollution status of the aquatic environment is provided by the single- (EF, Igeo, and PI) and the multi-elemental (PLI, PINem, RI, and MERMQ) pollution indices, and statistical techniques such as Spearman’s correlation, the principal component analysis, and the cluster analysis. The sediments indicate the presence of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni, a smaller input of Cr, and the absence of Cd, according to criteria from the State Working Group on Water in Germany (the LAWA’s guidelines) and pollution indices. As assessed by the RI index and the sediment quality guidelines (the SQGs), the potential ecological risk is possible to occur at some sampling points as a result of uncontrolled emission of pollutants. This resource supports environmental monitoring, risk management, and comparative re-search of aquatic environments.
The resistance spot welding is one of the main methods used to join thin-walled metal parts, while a number of factors adversely affect the process and thus the quality of the connections made. This article presents the study results of the possibility of applying modal analysis in the quality examination of welded parts by detecting the missing weld. It was aimed to determine this kind welding process imperfections influence on modal shapes and frequencies by the study of the dynamic properties of welded elements in the frequency domain. The research included real and numerical tests. The proposed testing method for spot welded constructions is a scientific novelty in the world, but the investigation results indicated, that the modal analysis may find application in detecting welding defects such as the lack of the welds. To assess the quality of the numerical models, the results obtained in the simulation and experimental test results were compared. The analysis involved the first five modes. The mode shapes in relation to the first five modal frequencies identified using the FEM analyses and the experimental tests was consistent with respect to element distortion. The differences indicate the satisfactory conformity of the numerical simulation results with the experimental test results. The article fundamentally demonstrates the applicability of the above-mentioned method to analyse the performance of all welds at once.
PL
Punktowe zgrzewanie oporowe jest jedną z głównych metod stosowanych do łączenia cienkościennych elementów metalowych, przy czym szereg czynników wpływa niekorzystnie na proces, a tym samym na jakość wykonanych połączeń. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań możliwości zastosowania analizy modalnej w analizy jakości zgrzewanych elementów w aspekcie wykrywania brakującej zgrzeiny. Celem było określenie wpływu tego typu niedoskonałości procesu zgrzewania na postać i częstotliwości drgań własnych poprzez badanie w dziedzinie częstotliwości właściwości dynamicznych elementów zgrzewanych. Badania obejmowały testy rzeczywiste i analizy numeryczne. Zaproponowana metoda badania konstrukcji zgrzewanych jest nowością naukową na świecie, a wyniki badań wskazały, że analiza modalna może znaleźć zastosowanie w wykrywaniu wad zgrzewalniczych takich jak brak zgrzein. Skuteczna weryfikacja wykonania danej zgrzeiny w zgrzewanym elemencie zależy od wielu czynników, w tym m.in. materiału i kształtu konstrukcji, lokalizacji zgrzein, miejsca wzbudzenia i pomiaru podczas jej badania. W związku z tym każda badana geometria będzie wymagać opracowania indywidualnych założeń wymuszeń i pomiaru, natomiast ogólne założenia stosowania analizy modalnej pozostają niezmienne. W celu oceny wyników modeli numerycznych, porównano wyniki uzyskane w symulacji i wyniki badań eksperymentalnych. Analiza wykazała, iż postaci drgań własnych w odniesieniu do pierwszych pięciu częstotliwości zidentyfikowanych za pomocą analiz MES i testów eksperymentalnych były zgodne pod względem odkształceń elementów. Różnice wskazują na zadowalającą zgodność wyników symulacji numerycznej z wynikami testów eksperymentalnych, a tym samym zasadne jest stosowanie MES w opracowaniu założeń do opracowania stanowiska pomiarowego konstrukcji zgrzewanych. Artykuł zasadniczo demonstruje możliwość zastosowania wyżej wymienionej metody do analizy jakości wszystkich spoin jednocześnie.
Digitization of processes is one of the important elements of Industry 4.0, which is becoming an increasingly popular form of introducing improvements in production processes. The aim of the article is to study a modern solution aimed at improving the workflow, which is the digitization of assembly processes. The article raises issues related to the introduction of digital instructions to the assembly process on the example of pump assembly. The focus was mainly on the comparison of work efficiency by comparing the time of product implementation using traditional paper and digital instructions. The impact of the use of programmable tools on the time of order completion and the achievement of the "zero defects" effect was also examined. The study also allowed to determine the economic benefits of introducing digital instructions.
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The article is devoted to the analysis of AI methods used in materials science and, in particular, the possibility of using them in the automatic classification and detection of material structure elements in digital images. The main areas of application of AI algorithms in materials science, such as prediction of material properties, material design, and optimization of technological processes, are presented. Examples of machine learning algorithm applications for classifying structure elements are discussed. Difficulties encountered in implementing AI algorithms in analyzing images of material microstructures were analyzed.
The paper discusses the utilization of hyperspectral imaging in the process of assessing the quality of barley grain intended for brewing purposes. A specialized research setup comprising a spectrophotometer coupled with a CCD camera was employed. During measurements, the spectral distribution of each pixel in the image was recorded within the range of 400 to 1000 nm, enabling the extraction of homogeneous areas on the grain surfaces. Subsequently, surface texture parameters were computed on the designated areas. Prior to engaging in classification analyses, variable reduction was performed utilizing: (a) Fisher's coefficient, (b) classification error coefficient along with the averaged correlation coefficient POE+ACC, and (c) mutual information coefficient MI. The research material consisted of grain categorized into rain-soaked (B), mold -infested (M), and healthy (H). The best classification results were obtained for a wavelength of 800 nm from the extracted homogeneous areas. The classification accuracy reached 100% across all quality groups.
Maintaining a strong market position is a significant challenge for manufacturing companies, requiring them to meet customer demands through high-quality products while balancing the associated costs. Proper quality management is essential but incurs substantial costs, particularly in terms of production maintenance and prevention. This paper explores the relationship between quality costs and business growth, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to constantly evaluate financial performance in relation to unit production costs and quality maintenance expenses. The study highlights that integrating quality into the production process is a key strategy for preventing business growth inhibition due to escalating quality costs. While investing in quality management can drive business development by improving product quality, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency, poor management of quality costs can hinder profitability and growth. The findings suggest that strategic handling of quality costs can foster sustainable growth, whereas mismanagement may lead to competitive disadvantages.
A key element of any quality management system is continuous improvement and a systematic approach to managing non-conformances. The aim of this paper is to use selected statistical methods and quality control techniques to present a way in which an organisation can achieve quality improvement. The 8D methodology was used to solve the observed problem, which was a customer complaint due to a nonconforming dimension on a Brake Bracket product using a structured eight-step Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) approach to problem solving. The subject of the analysis in Knott spol. s.r.o. is the product Brake holder 300x60 S-Nocken /AGS/ABS/. Using the 8D methodology and supporting tools such as the Ishikawa diagram or 5Why, the root cause of the problem was identified and permanent corrective actions were planned and implemented as recommended in the 8D report to reduce the likelihood of the problem recurring and increase customer satisfaction.
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Próbki Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma sproszkowano, ekstrahowano metanolem, sonikowano w 60°C i wirowano przy 4000 rpm przez 5 min. Ekstrakty przefiltrowano przez membranę i zbadano pod kątem składu chemicznego za pomocą wysokosprawnej chromatografii cieczowej w celu wykrycia zawartości ginsenozydów RG1 i RB1. Wyniki były dokładne i charakteryzowały się dobrą powtarzalnością. Metoda ta była zalecana do kontroli jakości i identyfikacji odmian roślin. Jakość tabletek Sanqi Shangyao została skontrolowana podczas nadzoru i inspekcji. Kłącze drynarii (Rhizoma Drynariae) było podstawowym lekiem w tabletkach Sanqi Shangyao z naringiną jako głównym składnikiem. Podano przydatne wskazówki i zalecenia dotyczące zapobiegania i leczenia ostrych urazów mięśni (badania z udziałem studentów i entuzjastów sportu).
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Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma samples were pulverized, extd. with MeOH, sonicated at 60°C and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 5 min. The exts. were filtered through a membrane and studied for chem. compn. by high-performance liq. chromatog. to det. the ginsenoside RG1 and RB1 contents. The results were accurate with good repeatability. The method was recommended for the quality control and identification of the plant varieties. The quality of Sanqi Shangyao tablets was well controlled in the supervision and inspection. Rhizoma Drynariae was the main drug in Sanqi Shangyao tablets, with naringin as the main component. The useful guidance and ref. for the prevention and treatment of acute muscle injury, based on serving college students and sports enthusiasts was given.
Jednym z elementów systemu kontroli jakości w branżach takich jak meblarska czy też motoryzacyjna jest proces porównywania kolorów czyli określenie różnic pomiędzy kolorami referencyjnymi oraz rzeczywistymi. W ocenie różnic w kolorach pomaga określnie odpowiednich przestrzeni barw – w tym przypadku posłużono się dwoma przestrzeniami barw CIE CAM oraz CIE LAB. Porównując kolory za pomocą tych modeli różnice w trzech komponentach składających się na daną przestrzeń (jasność, nasycenie i odcień), można wykorzystać do określenia postrzeganej różnicy w wyglądzie kolorów.
EN
One of the elements of the quality control system in industries such as furniture or automotive is the color comparison process, i.e. determining the differences between reference and real colors. Determining appropriate color spaces helps in assessing color differences - in this case, two color spaces were used: CIE CAM and CIE LAB. By comparing colors using these models, differences in the three components that make up a given space (lightness, saturation, and hue) can be used to determine the perceived difference in color appearance.
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Introduction: The use of X-ray equipment for medical diagnostic radiography procedures has increased due to advances and complexity of radiological procedures. Achieving good image quality while keeping exposure of workers, public and patient exposure to an acceptable level has become a prerequisite for the radiology department in order to comply with best international practices. The aim of this study was to undertake quality control measurement of seven (7) diagnostic radiography equipment in the south of Benin, the first of its kind. Material and methods: Multifunction detector (Piranha) and beam alignment test tool were used to perform quality control tests on seven (7) X-ray units. The method used as well as the interpretation of the results was based on the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Healing Arts Radiation Protection (HARP), Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Canadian Safety code 35 (S.C 35) recommendations. Results: The quality control results showed that all X-ray equipment investigated were within standard limits for accuracy of exposure time below 10 ms; reproducibility of kVp, exposure time and dose output; specific dose-kVp2 linearity; and specific dose-mAs linearity. Five (5) out of seven (7) diagnostic X-ray machines passed quality control tests such as X- ray beam alignment, exposure time above 10 ms and kVp accuracy. One (1) X-ray machine failed the quality control test of beam filtration at 70 kVp and above. Conclusions: The findings of this study have provided baseline data for other radiology departments to embark on similar QA/QC activities, and also explore options for optimization of patient dose. However, there is a need to extend the study to cover more diagnostic X-ray machines throughout the country. It is anticipated that this would ultimately assist in improving radiation protection and safety during medical diagnostic radiological procedures.
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The article presents the possibility of an innovative use of spectral analysis to control the quality of joints welded using the multispot projection welding method. The tests discussed in the article included the analysis of welding machine and welding fixtures frequency. The analysis consisted in the impulse-based excitation of vibrations in the entire system (including the welding machine and elements subjected to welding) and the recording of the object response using an acceleration sensor. The results were afterwards subjected to spectral analysis using the Fourier transform. As a result, it was possible to identify the effect of the lack of a weld on the free vibration frequencies of the entire system. Related quality control was performed by comparing the free vibration frequency spectrum of reference elements with that of elements not containing a metallic joint between them. The acquisition and analysis of measurement data were carried out in the LabView environment. The test results confirmed the possibility of using spectral analysis to control the quality of the projection welding process.
PL
W artykule przedstawiono możliwość nowatorskiego zastosowania analizy widmowej do kontroli jakości złączy zgrzewanych metodą garbową wielopunktową. Przeprowadzone badania obejmowały analizę częstotliwości drgań własnych zgrzewarki wraz z przyrządem zgrzewalniczym, w którym były zamocowane elementy zgrzewane. Analiza polegała na wzbudzeniu drgań całego układu, obejmującego przyrząd zgrzewalniczy oraz elementy zgrzewane, przez impulsowe wymuszenie oraz rejestrację odpowiedzi obiektu za pomocą czujnika przyspieszenia. Wyniki zostały następnie poddane analizie widmowej z zastosowaniem transformaty Fouriera, co pozwoliło wyznaczyć wpływ braku zgrzeiny na częstotliwości drgań własnych całego układu. Kontrolę jakości zrealizowano przez porównanie spektrum częstotliwości drgań własnych dla detali wzorcowych z detalami, w których nie wystąpiło połączenie metaliczne pomiędzy komponentami. Akwizycję oraz analizę danych pomiarowych prowadzono w środowisku LabView. Uzyskane wyniki badań potwierdziły możliwość zastosowania analizy widmowej do przeprowadzenia kontroli jakości procesu zgrzewania garbowego.
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