Data entry.
Data entry presents various obstacles during the inspection process. Overcoming these obstacles requires that the process
be as efficient as possible. Several methods for capturing inspection data directly into a personal computer's database or
spreadsheet may be used rather than typing or writing the measurements by hand. The most basic approach is to connect the
measuring gauge to a USB-connection tool activated by a button or foot pedal. With this approach, the inspector transfers
the value (i.e., the reading) on the gauge directly to the computer database or spreadsheet whenever he or she pushes the
button or steps on the foot pedal. The inspector no longer needs to take the time to write or type the inspection measurements.
This approach eliminates the potential for typographical errors, which are common when dealing with measurements that have
three- or four-place decimal-point accuracy. Some inspection systems provide greater convenience and efficiency by enabling
communication between the measuring devices and the software through a serial cable or USB connection. Usually, systems with
sophisticated communication can eliminate the need for the technician to step on a foot pedal or press a button to capture
data.
Data storage.
Storing inspection data electronically facilitates easy data retrieval for review or analysis. Inspection results with allowable
tolerances can be readily compared by clicking a mouse to produce a report that lists each tool and identifies any measurements
that exceed allowable tolerances. This automated approach is much better than visually reviewing a printed document for such
occurrences. Summary information such as average, minimum, and maximum dimensions and range can be included in the automated
report. An automated system can easily issue a report that compares each dimension and calculates the difference between two
inspections.
Figure 4: (FIGURE COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR)
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Tool matching.
Tool matching is an excellent example of how an automated system can utilize inspection data that have already been collected
to generate reports which are difficult to produce in a manual system. The purpose of matching the longest upper punch with
the shortest lower punch based on their working lengths is to allow the tablet manufacturer to minimize deviations in tablet
thickness and hardness (see Figure 3). The process consists of sorting the upper punches in sequence from longest to shortest
and sorting the lower punches in opposite order (i.e., from shortest to longest). If the working-length measurements collected
during the last inspection are stored electronically, producing this report takes only a matter of seconds (see Figure 4).
Completing the process manually would take much longer and possibly prevent a tablet manufacturer from improving consistency
in tablet thickness and hardness.
Databasing tooling inventory.
Establishing a comprehensive database of a tablet manufacturer's entire tooling inventory creates a great source of information.
By transferring electronic files between computer systems, data can be passed from the tool manufacturer to the tablet manufacturer,
downloaded, and integrated directly into a tooling database. No manual data entry is required. An electronic tooling database
can include information such as size, shape, steel type, purchase order number, tolerances, cup configuration, embossing,
and inspection data. An additional benefit of using a database to store tooling information is that it eliminates the need
to retype the same information every time that it is needed for a report or an inspection.
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