click on star to go back to Joseph Sarkis' HomepageThe role of quality in an enterprise is no longer relegated to the shop floor. It is becoming increasingly important that quality be integrated with all functions internal and external of an enterprise. This broader perspective of quality must consider organizational as well as technology issues. A Quality Information System (QIS) architecture which is applicable to advanced manufacturing environments is introduced by this paper. We also delineate, define, and recommend elements of the architecture that aid decision making throughout manufacturing environments. The architecture considers organizational dimensions such as total quality management (TQM) as well as technological dimensions such as computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). Examples of architectural views necessary for successfully integrating QIS into an advanced manufacturing environment are provided. A process for automating inspection planning process is used to illustrate how the QIS architecture can be applied to advanced manufacturing situations. Implications for implementation and management of these systems are also discussed.
click on star to go back to Joseph Sarkis' Homepage