Deutsch: Unterbrecher / Español: Disyuntor / Português: Disjuntor / Français: Disjoncteur / Italiano: Interruttore
Breaker in the context of quality management refers to a mechanism, process, or practice that "breaks" a flow or sequence to ensure quality control. It can signify a tool or checkpoint used to identify defects, halt defective production processes, or isolate problems to maintain the quality of goods or services.
Description
In quality management, a breaker serves as a critical control mechanism that stops a process when quality issues arise. These can be physical devices, such as circuit breakers in electrical systems, or procedural steps embedded within workflows. Breakers are implemented to prevent defective outputs from progressing further in production or service delivery.
For example, in a manufacturing line, a breaker might stop the assembly process if a defect is detected, ensuring no substandard product reaches the consumer. Similarly, in software quality management, a breaker could refer to an automated test that halts deployment if certain criteria are not met.
Breakers are essential in maintaining the integrity of processes and products. By identifying and addressing problems early, they help in minimising waste, reducing rework costs, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Breakers are often linked to broader quality control systems such as Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma, and lean production, where continuous monitoring and immediate action are key principles.
Application Areas
- Manufacturing: Automated systems that pause production when sensors detect defects.
- Software Development: Tools like CI/CD pipelines that prevent code deployment when tests fail.
- Service Industries: Quality checks in service delivery, such as hospitality or customer support, where processes are paused to resolve issues.
- Supply Chain Management: Systems that identify and isolate defective batches during transit or storage.
- Healthcare: Safety protocols that stop procedures if equipment malfunctions or standards are not met.
Well-Known Examples
- Automated Quality Control Systems: Devices that halt a production line when sensors detect deviations from standards.
- Code Breakers in Software Engineering: Systems like Jenkins or Travis CI that automatically fail builds if testing requirements are not satisfied.
- Safety Breakers in Electrical Systems: Circuit breakers that cut power in case of overloads, ensuring equipment and personnel safety.
Risks and Challenges
- Over-Sensitivity: A breaker may trigger unnecessarily, leading to production delays or inefficiencies.
- Implementation Costs: Installing advanced breakers, such as automated inspection systems, can be expensive.
- Reliability Issues: If a breaker fails or malfunctions, it can lead to undetected defects progressing through the system.
- Human Factor: Operators might bypass breakers due to time pressure, compromising quality standards.
Similar Terms
- Control Points: Specific stages in a process where quality is verified.
- Inspection Systems: Tools or procedures used to identify defects.
- Failsafe Mechanisms: Systems designed to prevent catastrophic failures by stopping processes automatically.
Weblinks
- top500.de: 'Breaker' in the glossary of the top500.de
Summary
In quality management, a breaker is a safeguard that prevents defective processes or products from progressing, ensuring quality and safety. While indispensable for maintaining high standards, effective implementation requires careful calibration and training to avoid unnecessary disruptions or failures.
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