Monitoring improvements in quality in the aerospace industry using an assessment method

Statistical process control (SPC) has been used for many years. Despite being a proven quality tool that can be used to stabilise processes and lead to continuous improvement, there are still relatively few Aerospace Companies that are using this tool effectively. Enthusiasm and commitment are often high at the outset, as the mew system is perceived to be the solution to all the company's current quality problems. This perception, along with the hurried implementation often leads to dramatic failure. Planning is the key [1]. This paper addresses some of the issues relating to the problems of introducing such a system into an organisation. It outlines the approach used and shows how it has been applied in the Aerospace industry, a sector that has not traditionally been associated with the use of SPC. An Assessment Model has been developed from the Boeing Quality System, this gives a structured approach to implement and monitor the progress made at the Company.