KNOWLEDGE-BASED APPROACH TO QUALITY-CONTROL ASSURANCE USING BAR CODE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS

A knowledge-based approach to quality assurance using bar code identification systems can be carried out in three different stages. In the first stage, a complete study of the manufacturing processes, raw materials, and procedures of inspection has to be conducted. Data collection forms are prepared and potentlal trouble areas located to get more information on the types of problems occurring. In the second stage, inspection procedures are established for in-coming raw material. Acceptance Sampling plans have to be agreed upon to facilitate inspection of raw materials. The procedures are based on Acceptance Sampling Military Standards (MIL-STD 105 E and MIL-STD 414). In the last stage an expert system can be developed and integrated with automatic identification of the in-coming raw material packages for acceptance sampling, and with in-process goods for establishing and monitoring statistical process control.