An Indispensable Quality Assurance Tool for Dairy Processing Plants

Trained Personnel Documented Procedures Organize Data Correct Procedures Analyze Data Take Action Test Product Some Key Elements for Product Testing

Incorporate improved technologies Document information efficiently Improve accuracy of the data Scan product containers Import data from test equipment Goals of a Quality Management System – page 24

Reduce the cost of the operations Utilize the lab data easily to improve operations. Less time generating reports & graphs More time taking action Goals of a Quality Management System – page 24

Reduce the cost of the operations Utilize the lab data easily to improve operations. Monitor results to maintain them closer to target. Goals of a Quality Management System – page 24

Monitor trends…… Easily see that your QMS and actions are improving quality. Is the incoming raw milk continually improving? Is the EOC flavor on finished product continually improving? Goals of a Quality Management System – page 25

…..patterns of a process Results indicate possible training issues? Results indicate equipment issues? Goals of a Quality Management System – page 25 Serviced Homogenizing Valve

…..other patterns Easily look at data for other patterns For example: freezing point details…… Note: Baseline freezing point for average normal raw milk has been accepted to be H The freezing point of raw milk has a relatively constant, narrow range, about-.530H to H Out of typical range Freezing Point of Incoming Raw Milk Tankers

Improve employee morale and sense of accomplishment Every job performed in the dairy processing plant is important and ultimately affects the quality of the product. Thorough, complete and accurate product information is important every step of the way. Goals of a Quality Management System – page 25

Traceability

Improve employee morale and sense of accomplishment Retain employees with a clean, organized work area And proper tools to perform the job. Reduce the amount of binders and clipboards in the lab. Goals of a Quality Management System – page 25

Ultimately improve overall quality of the organization A high quality organization: #1 The product meets regulatory standards, and has a high degree of quality. #2 The product produced is manufactured efficiently and in a cost effective manner. #3 The product is consistent. #4 There is good employee morale. #5 The employees have the right tools for the job. #6 If an issue arises; a thorough, prompt and effective action is taken. Goals of a Quality Management System – page 25

If an issue arises (Customer complaint)… Be able to trace the product through the process For example: A customer complaint is received on a ½ gallon homogenized milk with the code You should be able to find the lab data in seconds.

Be able to trace the product through the process For example: Checking on lab results indicates there was a problem with Side B on Filler and the problem was resolved. If an issue arises (Customer complaint)…

If an issue arises (Supplier)… Find by Ingredient and Lot#

Interpret Line Samples

Volume Loss Finished Product Grams over/under weight spec

Volume Loss Incoming Raw Milk Tankers Manifest amount vs. Plant Scale

1. Software must be well documented. 2. Protocols and policies must be clearly documented. 3. Records must be indexed and cross referenced to allow easy review, or must be printed and made available. 4. Records must be secure from unauthorized access and changes. 5. When corrections are necessary the old information must be retained, and the person making the correction must be identified and the reason for the change recorded. 6. If records are not available at time of audit, facility will be cited for not having records and will be subjected to penalties. Records and Reports (SMEDP page 29) : Requirements for electronic / computer records:

Security in a database Records must be secure

Improved Technology Handle large complex databases Stable and dependable Interface Capability with equipment Connect to other databases Accessible to those who need the information Require low maintenance Program changes are made for you Important Capabilities for a database program

Important Features for a database program Easy to use Graphs with sort options Reports with sort options Export data Import data Scan barcodes Strong query function Track or limit changes Highlight out of spec Totals out of spec Security Strong Support Monthly newsletters (information on new items)

Direct support (easy to make contact) Readily available for support Support knowledgeable Prompt response to issues and requests Extensive documentation on program and procedures Comments and suggestions are valued Updates are easy to obtain, can update when it is convenient Support for a database program

Because the graphs take so little time to compile, I can easily look at them every day. I like the scanner because it helps the lab save time and it ensures that lab errors are kept to a minimum. It is easy to enter data and easy to retrieve data for multiple uses. ….the generated reports have a capability to offer a great amount of detail…. I like the customer reports because they save me a great deal of time. My incoming raw milk quality improved, I think QA Studio is fabulous! I couldnt imagine being without it. We all love QA Studio. Proven to be successful Here is what QA Studio Users Say: