Skillset Inc.'s Quality Department is verifying a new production line. The production line is set up for a pharmaceutical application in which cough syrup is dispensed equally and in the same overall volume required for every bottle. After several hrs of observation, 99% of the bottles are being filled to the same level, however, it is too low for commercial sales as it is only filling bottles at _s of the anticipated volume. Which of the methods below would be best for analyzing and correcting the problem leading to a stable process?

Take actual measurements of each dispensed bottle, record the volume, develop a control chart, and then slowly record dispenser changes as well as the resultant changes until the desired volume is reached. Continue to monitor until results show a controlled process within specifications desired.

Gather a cross functional team, review data, identify what variables to measure for Design of Experiment. Run the experiment to see why the levels are consistent but not at the anticipated volumes.

Adjust the dispenser mechanism manually, run another sample of 20-30 bottles, take measurements of each, compare to previous results, continue to adjust until the desired level is reached.

None of the Above

Explanation

While adjusting the dispenser mechanism manually may eventually work to solve the problem, there is no guarantee the process will remain stable. Gathering a cross functional team is a good approach to identifying factors influencing the problem, it does not necessarily correct the problem. Taking actual measurements of each dispensed bottle is the most ideal choice, as it not only measures the process, it analyzes it using specific quality tools and methods (including Design of Experiment) by which changes can be accurately and long term monitored to improve and provide a stable process. (PMBOK 2013 Rev 5th Edition, pgs 235-240).