Application of Statistical Process Control Chart in Food Manufacturing Industry

Abstract

Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts are simple graphical tools that allow monitoring of process results. They are used to describe the type of variance that exists within the process. They highlight areas where further investigation could be needed. The purpose of the study was to use statistical control charts to examine the production process of buff sausages in the food manufacturing industry. The mean (X-bar) chart and range (R) chart were used in the study to assess if the production process was under control. The weight of 100 packets of buff sausages was measured (in grams) using a weighing scale. In order to collect information about the manufacturing process of the buff sausage, the interview of operations manager was followed by the observation of the buff sausage production plant. The result of mean chart shows that the within subgroup variation is consistent because all the sample points fall within the three-sigma upper and lower control limits. The range chart displays that all the sample points are within the two-sigma control limits. The buff sausage manufacturing process is therefore in a state of statistical control. However, the production unit can still seek to further improve performance to maintain consistent quality of the product.