A Methodology for Integrated Quality Systems

This paper proposes a methodology for the design of a system for planning and controlling the quality of products and processes. The system considers the relationships of quality-related parameters along the stages of a product life cycle. Parameters include material properties, process parameters, product quality characteristics, and product performance in use. The methodology is based on modeling the transformation taking place at every stage and on the design of quality control windows which perform all the functions of a control cycle. Several applications of the methodology are described.