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Quality Plans
This article explains how to use quality plans to standardize inspection processes and improve product quality. Learn to create inspection plans, generate inspection sheets, and perform first article inspections (FAI) efficiently.

Quality Plans User Guide

Print bubbling is the process of identifying critical areas on a product drawing for inspection and testing. Inspection sheet creation is the process of generating customizable, comprehensive inspection sheets to guide operators through detailed quality checks. These sheets can be used for incoming, in process, final, and First Article Inspection (FAI).

 

Print bubbling is an important part of the quality assurance process. By identifying critical areas on a product drawing, inspectors can ensure that products are being manufactured to the correct specifications. Inspection sheets can help to streamline the inspection process and ensure that all required checks are being performed.

Accessing the Quality Plans Module

You can access the Documents module by clicking the "Quality Plans" icon in the main navigation menu. Depending on your user permissions, you may have different levels of access within the module (e.g., view-only, edit, approve).

Key Features

  • Print bubbling: FactoryQA allows users to easily identify critical areas on a product drawing using a variety of tools.
  • Inspection sheet creation: FactoryQA allows users to create customizable inspection sheets that include all of the necessary information, such as product specifications, inspection instructions, and acceptance criteria.
  • Reporting: FactoryQA allows users to generate reports that track the results of inspections and identify any areas where improvements are needed.
  • PFMEA: Identify and prioritize potential risks early in the design process.
  • Control Plans: Define critical control points and inspection methods to ensure product quality.
  • Process Flow Diagrams: Visualize the production process to identify areas for improvement.
  • Inspection Analytics: Track trends, identify root causes, and continuously improve processes.

 

Using the Quality Plans Module: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Uploading a Drawing:

  • Navigate to the Quality Plans Module.
  • Click "Create"
  • Add details in the pop and attach your drawing.
    • NOTE: DRAWING MUST BE A PDF

2. Bubbling a Print:

  • On the Drawing tab within the Part Plan, click on each dimension.
  • For each click, add the relevant details in the pop up.
  • Click save and repeat for each dimension.

3. Generating Inspection Sheets:

  • Once your print has been bubbled, navigate to the Inspection tab.
  • Edit each line in the inspection table to add the details you need.
    • NOTE: THE SPEC COLUMN IS THE FIELD THAT WILL DISPLAY IN THE INSPECTION SHEET.
  • On the far right side of the table, you will select which inspection sheets you would like each dimension applied to.
  • Save each line individually.

4. Adding Quality Documentation (Process Flow, PFMEA, Control Plans)

  • Process Flow, PFMEA, and Control Plans can be added for each Part.
  • See each in the tabs under the part plans.

5. Accessing your Inspection Sheets

  • To use your inspection sheets, go to the Inspection Module.
  • In the Inspection module, search for the inspection sheet that you need.
  • Click New Entry to add data.

 

 

Best Practices

  • Detailed Print Bubbling: Clearly define all critical characteristics on your prints, including dimensions, tolerances, and material specifications. Use color-coding and annotations to enhance clarity.
  • Standardized Inspection Sheets: Develop consistent inspection sheet templates for different product families or processes. This ensures uniformity and reduces the risk of errors.
  • Regular PFMEA Reviews: Periodically review and update your PFMEAs to account for process changes, new materials, or identified risks.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage the inspection analytics to identify trends, prioritize improvement efforts, and track the effectiveness of your quality initiatives.
  • Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback from your quality team and using data to drive ongoing process optimization.

 

 

Troubleshooting

  • Print Upload Issues: Ensure your print files are in a supported format (e.g., PDF, JPG) and within the size limits. If you encounter issues, contact FactoryQA support for assistance.
  • Inspection Sheet Customization: If you need to modify the automatically generated inspection sheets, you can easily edit fields, add instructions, or include additional checks.
  • Data Analysis: Familiarize yourself with the various reporting and charting options within the Inspection Analytics dashboard to effectively interpret your data.
  • Integration with other systems: FactoryQA offers seamless integration with other business systems, such as ERP and MES. Consult the documentation or contact support for assistance with integration.

 

 

If you encounter any issues while using the Quality Plans module, please contact your system administrator or refer to the FactoryQA support documentation.

This user guide provides a general overview of the Documents module. Specific features and functionalities may vary depending on your FactoryQA configuration. Consult with your system administrator for any customizations or specific workflows implemented within your organization.

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