Quality control expert systems: a review of pertinent literature

Statistical quality control (SQC) is an effective tool that ensures quality products and services by means of control charts, the essence of SQC, and sampling plans. While the computation of sample statistics and the development of control charts are routine exercises, the interpretation of chart patterns, trends and the associated diagnosis of assignable causes requires expert knowledge. The present trend is to develop a quality control system and apply it throughout the company (company-wide quality control CWQC or total quality control - TQC). This frequently means involvement of non-quality personnel in QC teams. Additionally, many companies are faced with a shortage of experienced quality controllers and individuals who can train and educate others on statistical quality control techniques. Quality control expert systems (QCESs) are considered as one way to alleviate these difficulties. In recent years, quality control expert systems have attracted the attention of both quality researchers and practitioners. This paper reviews existing quality control expert systems and recommends a set of quality engineering techniques that should be used to form a knowledge base, the heart of an expert system.