FoodHorizon provides an SPC graphing capability with its ScaleDAQ. The SPC ScaleDAQ is a computer with a monitor that may be touch screen or not, depending on the application. The computer is attached to a scale that is used for weighing samples. The sample is placed on the scale and the Print button is pushed. The weight is transferred to the ScaleDAQ and appears on the monitor. The weight appears on the monitor as a list of weights taken. Each weight is numbered to track the number of samples taken. The upper control limits and lower control limits are noted and a color change for the weight rates its position within the control limits. Green is right on, and Red is out of limits. The average of the samples is automatically calculated and plotted on an X-R chart. Again the Green and Red colors play a role in visual recognition of the location of the point within the chart. A Corrective Action form is generated on the screen of the monitor if the weights are out of limits. Action must be taken on the form prior to moving to the next sample, or the screen will not allow the next sample to appear. In addition, when the average weights are out of limits, alerts by email, cell phone and email pagers will be sent. There is also a Range chart that plots the difference between the highest and lowest weight within each group. Situations occur when there is no sample or two samples on the scale or a very aberrant weight occurs. The sample is in the data base and it is not going to go away. That would make the program non-compliant with FDA rules set out in CFR 21. The weight data for each sample is maintained in a file that is used to create the charts. This data can also be extracted and used for other analyses and reports if desired. The image below shows how the data can be flagged to take its values away from the graphing protocol. This is strictly a temporary situation and can be reversed just by selecting the tab to Flag or Unflag the data. The SPC program utilized with the ScaleDAQ provides a powerful tool for the production floor to monitor weights of products to provide the data for correct weights to prevent customer and regulatory disgruntlement and to provide the necessary data to effectively provide a product that does not cost excess monies to produce. The semi-automated system works well in reducing the amount of time necessary to weigh a product, write down the weight, average the group and transfer the data to three different charts. The time savings are not only beneficial from a productive aspect, but there are also an automatic elimination of errors. No transcription errors, no math errors, no plotting errors. If you will note on the histogram in the title that all the statistical data for the samples is displayed. The mean, standard deviation and calculation for three standard deviations. The ScaleDAQ can also provide automated data when connected to an in-line checkweigher. An in-line checkweigher provides the assurance that a product is not underweight or it will be rejected. It provides a view of the last few samples weighed. It provides a running standard deviation and a running standard deviation of the last few samples. This is all important information, but it does not have the power provided by X-R charts with visual recognition marks that causes action to be taken when seen. The ScaleDAQ will record every weight, but in addition will provide a group average based on time or number of samples. This data and the average can be plotted to a Sample Chart, an X-R chart and a Range Chart as well as provide a Histogram. The ScaleDAQ will send a Corrective Form to be completed when the average weights are out of limits as well as alerts by email, cell phone and email pagers.

November 25, 2005