Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Parameter / Español: Parámetro / Português: Parâmetro / Français: Paramètre / Italiano: Parametro

Parameter in the context of quality management refers to a measurable factor or variable that defines or influences the performance, quality, or outcomes of a process, product, or service. Parameters are used to establish criteria, monitor performance, and ensure that quality requirements are met consistently.

General Description

In quality management, Parameter serves as a key control element to standardise processes, assess product characteristics, and optimise operational efficiency. Parameters can be physical, such as temperature, pressure, or dimensions, or abstract, such as customer satisfaction scores or error rates. They act as benchmarks or thresholds within which processes must operate to achieve desired quality outcomes.

Parameters are essential for process control and quality assurance. They provide measurable criteria for:

• Ensuring consistency in production.
• Identifying deviations that might impact quality.
• Supporting compliance with standards and regulations.
• Driving continuous improvement through optimisation.

The use of parameters is a cornerstone of methodologies like Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Six Sigma, where they are closely monitored to minimise variability and defects. For instance, in manufacturing, parameters such as material thickness or tensile strength might be defined within specific tolerances to ensure product quality.

Historically, the importance of parameters grew with the development of industrial quality control practices, where measurable factors became critical for scaling production while maintaining standards.

Special Considerations

Special Role in Digitalisation

With advancements in Industry 4.0, the monitoring and analysis of parameters have become more precise. Smart sensors and real-time analytics enable continuous tracking of critical parameters, providing instant feedback and reducing downtime.

Special Emphasis on Interdependence

Parameters often influence one another. For example, temperature changes may affect pressure or viscosity. Understanding these interdependencies is critical for effective parameter management in complex systems.

Application Areas

• Manufacturing: Parameters like speed, pressure, and material properties ensure process efficiency and product consistency.
• Pharmaceuticals: Critical parameters include dosage accuracy, chemical composition, and storage conditions to meet stringent regulatory requirements.
• Construction: Structural parameters such as load capacity, material durability, and compliance with safety standards are crucial.
• Food Production: Parameters like temperature, pH levels, and shelf life are monitored to ensure quality and safety.
• Service Industry: Parameters like response time, accuracy, and customer satisfaction ratings are used to evaluate service quality.

Well-Known Examples

• Tolerances in Engineering: Defining acceptable limits for dimensions or material properties.
• Control Charts in SPC: Monitoring parameters such as process mean or variance to detect shifts in quality.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Parameters like defect rates, cycle times, or Net Promoter Scores used to measure organisational performance.
• Critical Process Parameters (CPPs): Factors identified in pharmaceutical manufacturing that must be controlled to ensure product quality.

Risks and Challenges

• Overcomplication: Defining too many parameters can overwhelm processes and reduce focus on critical quality factors.
• Inconsistent Monitoring: Failing to consistently track parameters can lead to undetected deviations and quality issues.
• Parameter Drift: Gradual changes in parameter values over time can result in decreased performance if not promptly addressed.
• Unrealistic Thresholds: Setting inappropriate parameter limits can lead to unnecessary rework, waste, or customer dissatisfaction.

Similar Terms

• Metric: A standard of measurement often used interchangeably with parameter but more general in scope.
• Tolerance: The acceptable range within which a parameter can vary without affecting quality.
• Variable: A measurable characteristic that may change during a process.
• Specification: The detailed criteria that define the acceptable values for a parameter.

Weblinks

• psychology-lexicon.com: 'Parameter' in the psychology-lexicon.com
• information-lexikon.de: 'Parameter' in the information-lexikon.de (German)
• environment-database.eu: 'Parameter' in the glossary of the environment-database.eu

Summary

Parameter in quality management is a measurable factor that defines and influences the quality and performance of processes, products, or services. By monitoring and controlling parameters, organisations can ensure consistency, compliance, and continuous improvement. Effective parameter management is essential for maintaining standards, optimising processes, and achieving customer satisfaction.

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