Quality Check Systems

QCS Overview

Primary Function

If QCS is used with Part Number Labels attached to the part or In-Process Tags attached to the shipping dunnage, then the primary function is to:
Assure the Correct "Parts" are Shipped to the Correct Location.
or
If QCS is used along with an ADR EPSS system, that is set up to scan every part and hence count every part, then the primary function of both systems used together is to:
Assure the Correct "Parts" and "Quantity of Parts" are Shipped to the Correct Location.
or
If QCS is used along with an ADR EPSS system with the SCALE option that weighs the shipping dunnage and verifies the correct quantity of parts is packed, then the primary function of both systems used together is to:
Assure the Correct "Parts" and "Quantity of Parts" are Shipped to the Correct Location.

This Primary Function is accomplished by utilizing a portable handheld programmable bar code scanner to scan 4 different bar coded labels in a pre-defined order, each individually defined with its own symbology. The program verifies the individual bar coded labels scanned match the pre-defined requirements(setup in the QC Manager on the PC) and then prints out an “O.K. to Ship” label via a portable linerless label printer that the programmable bar code scanner is connected to. The “O.K. to Ship” label is then placed on the shipping dunnage signifying this system passed all the required quality checks.

By scanning bar coded labels to verify shipping location and part numbers, you essentially eliminate the possibility for operator error due to manual keyboard entry, manually writing up shipping labels and even 100 % visual inspections.

The Quality Check System is designed prevent errors in move order materials. The operator uses a programmable handheld scanner to scan barcode labels on the "Master Setup Template", the "Part Number Label" on the part or the "In-Process Tag" with the "Part Number Label" information on it, the "AIAG Shipping Label Part Number" on the AIAG Shipping Label attached to the shipping dunnage and then the "AIAG Shipping Label Serial Number" on the same AIAG Shipping Label attached to the shipping dunnage. The programmable handheld scanner then verifies if the individual bar coded labels are of the correct type and that certain fields match. If the scans are correct, the attached portable linerless label printer will generate an “Ok to Ship” label. Thus only shipping dunnage that has passed the "Quality Check System" will be marked for shipment.

All relevant information is printed on the shipping label: operator’s name, time and date, and the serial number of the AIAG Shipping Label on the shipping dunnage.

Each bar code has its own symbology to individually define that bar code. This prevents operators from scanning the same bar code label twice.

Typical Process Flow

"Master Setup Template" - QC controlled setup template for the part being run on the line that includes a bar coded label of the actual part number and the name of the shipping location.

"In-Process Tag" - QC controlled bar coded label of the actual part number. This is printed on a template that is laminated and then placed at the QC station.
or
" Part Number Label" - Bar coded label of the actual part number that has been placed on the part.

"AIAG Shipping Label - Part Number" - AIAG approved bar coded label that includes the part number, quantity and serial number. This is located on the shipping dunnage.

"AIAG Shipping Label - Serial Number" - AIAG approved bar coded label that includes the part number, quantity and serial number. This is located on the shipping dunnage.

The first step in setting up QCS is to define the requirements for each bar coded label and the order in which they are to be scanned. This is done in QCS Manager on the PC, which can only be accessed by entering in a password. After setting up QCS and downloading the configurations to the handheld programmable bar code scanner, the operator follows the menu driven instructions on the handheld.

The "Master Setup Template" is QC approved and QC controlled.

The " Part Number Label " is compared to the "Master Setup Template" to verify the correct part was placed in the shipping bin.

The "AIAG Shipping Label - Part Number", normally automatically generated by ADR's EPSS is scanned to verify the correct part is shipped to the correct location.

The "AIAG Shipping Label - Serial Number" is scanned to verify that a unique serial number was used for that shipment. This identifies the shipment with a specific serial number for Traceability.

QCS Description

What is it?

"QCS" or "Quality Check System" is a mobile data collection and verification system that utilizes a portable, handheld, programmable, bar-code scanning device with a user defined cross-referenced database and a portable printer, with linerless labels, that attaches to your belt. The primary purpose of the system is to insure that the correct manufactured products are shipped to the desired destination.

Who should use it and why?

Manufacturers of multiple products or manufacturers with multiple shipping destinations are the main users of "QCS". This is because generally they have multiple shipping destinations for their products and the risk of shipping product to the wrong destination exists. By scanning bar-coded part labels to verify part numbers and shipping locations, you essentially eliminate the possibility for operator error due to manual keyboard entry, manually writing up shipping labels and even 100 % visual inspections. The "History Table" feature of "QCS" also provides Traceability capability since the serial number of the shipping label is scanned and stored. Linerless labels prevent safety related accidents since there is no paper lying on the floor from "O.K. to Ship" labels.

Even one “mis-shipped” order can result in thousands of dollars of unplanned expenses:

  1. 100% inspection
  2. Containment
  3. Third party audits
  4. Service recovery costs
  5. Escalated warranty claims

How does it work?

  1. The parts to be tracked are put into a database via a QCS Manager application that resides on a PC, and then downloaded to the portable handheld programmable bar-code scanner.
  2. A QC controlled "Master Setup Template" label that contains the part number is scanned. This sets the system up with that part number to track for that run. The shipping destination for that part is also printed on the master setup template.
  3. A "Part Number Label" attached to the part is scanned.(or an "In-Process Tag" that has the part number label on it and is attached to the shipping dunnage).
  4. An "AIAG Shipping Label Part Number" is scanned.
  5. An "AIAG Shipping Label Serial Number" is scanned.
  6. If all of these scanned items meet their pre-defined quality requirements (setup in the QCS Manager on the PC), a green “OK to Ship” label is generated and placed on the shipping dunnage signifying that this shipment passed all the required "Quality Check System" checks.
  7. If one or all of the scans do not match, no label is generated and a warning message is displayed. Without an "O.K. to Ship" label attached to the shipping dunnage, the shipment cannot be moved or shipped within the facility.

©Advanced Data Research 2005

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