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84 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2019 company does not have the time to do some- thing right, they may choose to add more time to do it over. Gaining control over and reducing complex- ity through knowledge and understanding are the primary objectives of TQC. One major task of automation is to simplify and organize com- plexity. A simpler process has: 1. Less inventory 2. Fewer floor spaces 3. Fewer people 4. Fewer process steps 5. Fewer part numbers 6. Fewer options, accessories, manuals, and paperwork 7. Less chance of error Per Unit of Output TQC and Six Sigma are constant contribu- tors to move product quality and manufactur- ing yields higher. The goal is to minimize vari- ability and maximize quality (Figure 3). One role the computers of automation play in TQC is the collection, reduction, and analysis of in- formation and data. When a problem has been solved, the systematization role of automation constantly monitors to keep it under control. Standardization Standardization is another method of simpli- fication, which is why many companies stan- dardize panel sizes in production. What they may lose in material cost they can make up for in improved performance from a simpler auto- mated process. Other candidates for standard- ization are image transfer and CNC tooling, procedures, equipment, and training. Even tasks like costing and accounting can benefit from standardization. DFMA is one of the best ways to obtain standardization. Remember, automation will require simplification. 3. Flexibility: Automation Must Adapt to Changes Without Repeating the Initial Investment Trends in Automation Historically, if the manufacturing environ- ment was simple enough, the product quan- tity large enough, and the product character- istics stable enough, one would invest in fixed or rigid mechanization. The only other option would be to leave it essentially manual. This could be applied equally to a single task or an entire manufacturing sequence. Figure 3: Narrowing the process latitude below two sigmas is the goal of TQC and Six Sigma programs.