ABSTRACT
A typical quality-controlled workplace required inspection and measurement points to be established. A method or procedure for the inspection and measurement would be established, after which data would be collected and analysed so that trends in deterioration of quality could be spotted and
extreme problems avoided. For example, in the manufacture of precast concrete components, the inspection points would be checking the quality of the raw materials on arrival, the concrete prior to discharge into the mould using standard concrete testing methods such as slump and cubes, followed by Schmidt hammer tests to check the concrete was of a sufficient strength to permit de-moulding. The completed components would be dimensionally measured and had to fall between a range of sizes to become acceptable for dispatch. These measurements would be recorded over a period of time to plot trends, so that as the moulds slackened with use, increasing the size of the component, action could be taken before the situation deteriorated beyond the specified tolerances.
