Real Time Statistical Process Control of the Quantity of Product in Prepackages

In this presentation we will describe how we developed a methodology for the statistical quantity control processes of prepackagers and present a number of different case studies based on the type of product, packaging, production, filling line and system of data acquisition. With the aim of establishing a global strategy to control the quantity of product in prepackages, an integrated planning model based on statistical tools was developed. This model is able to manage the production functions concerning the legal metrological requirements. These requirements are similar all around the world because they are based on the recommendation R-87: 2004 (E) from the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). Based on the principles of Statistical Process Control a methodology to analyze in real time the quantity of product in prepackages was proposed; routine inspections, condition monitoring of the main components and friendly comprehension of the outputs were taken into account. Subsequently, software of data acquisition, registration to guarantee traceability and treatment for decisions which can be configured for any kind of filling process was introduced. The impacts of this system, named ACCEPT- Computer Based Help for the Statistic Control of the Filling Processes, at the industry is demonstrated by the large number of companies that are using this system to control their processes. In Portugal, more than 50 companies and thousands of operators with very low qualifications are working every day with SPC tools and capability analysis in order to minimize variability and waste (for example: over filling), to ensure compliance and to guarantee the consumers rights.