Control Charts

The term attribute refers to those quality characteristics that conform to specification or do not
conform to specification. This data may be expressed as ok/not ok, go/ no go, yes/no, or
presence/absence of a defect.
Attribute are used:
1. Where measurements are not possible
2. Where measurements can be made but are not made because of time, cost, or need.
Control Charts for attribute data:
Non-Conforming units: p chart, np chart
Non Conformities: c chart

Types and selection of Control chart:

P Chart:
The P Chart is for the fraction of defective items in a sample/lot. This chart shows the fraction
of non-conforming or defective product produced by a manufacturing process.
The fraction defective is the number of defective items in a sample divided by the total number
of items in a sample. The fraction defective chart is used when the sample size varies.
Example of P Chart:
Np Chart:
When each data point is based on the sample size, a special version of the p chart can be used.
The np chart is for the number of defective items in a sample. This chart shows the number of
non-conforming.
The number of defective np chart shows the number of defective items in samples rather than
the fraction of defective items. It requires that the sample size remains constant.
C chart:
The c chart is similar to the np chart, in that it requires equal sample sizes for each data point.
This shows the number of defects or non-conformities produced by a manufacturing process.
The number of defects is based on poisson distribution.

Example of c chart:
Charts for quantitative data:
X bar and R Control Chart:
It is used to monitor the mean and variation of a process based on samples taken from the
process at given times (hours, shifts, days, weeks, months, etc.). The measurements of the
samples at a given time constitute a subgroup. Typically, an initial series of subgroups is used
to estimate the mean and standard deviation of a process. The mean and standard deviation are
then used to produce control limits for the mean and range of each subgroup. During this initial
phase, the process should be in control. If points are outof- control during the initial
(estimation) phase, the assignable cause should be determined and the subgroup should be
removed from estimation. Determining the process capability may also be useful at this phase.
Once the control limits have been established of the X-bar and R charts, these limits may be
used to monitor the mean and variation of the process going forward. When a point is outside
these established control limits it indicates that the mean (or variation) of the process is out-of-
control. An assignable cause is suspected whenever the control chart indicates an out-of-control
process.
Constructing a X-bar Chart:-
A quality control inspector at the Cocoa Fizz soft drink company has taken three samples with
four observations each of the volume of bottles filled. If the standard deviation of the bottling
operation is .2 ounces, use the data below to develop control charts with limits of 3 standard
deviations for the 16 oz. bottling operation.
Sol:
An Alternative Method for the X-bar Chart Using R-bar and the A2 Factor
Benefits:
 They measure variability of a process over time rather than variation of a static
distribution.
 They are not probability or confidence limits.
 They provide useful warning signals when applied to processes in the real world.
 They are simple graphical tools that enable process performance monitoring.
 They are designed to identify which type of variation exist within a process.
 They highlight areas of performance that may require further investigation.
 They are easy to construct and interpret.
Applications:

 Improve productivity
 Make defects visible
 Determine what process adjustments need to be made
 Determine if process is “in” or “out of control