Reliability Lab Testing, Consulting, Training.

Ops a la Carte

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Email: info@OPSaLaCarte.com

Engineering Success with Reliable Products.

Closed-Loop Corrective Action Process Setup

Closed-Loop Corrective Action Process (CLCA) Setup

DEFINITION

This process has different names in different industries. Some call it a Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) System, some call it a Failure Reporting Analysis and Corrective Action System (FRACAS). But it is essentially the same process – to identify, analyze, and correct a problem with a product or process.

SITUATION

During all of the testing, a robust Closed-Loop Corrective Action (CLCA) Process must be utilized to capture, analyze, and, if necessary, correct all failures discovered.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of a CLCA is to provide corrective action in a timely manner for any problem, and to have a means of verifying that the failure did indeed fix the problem.

VALUE TO YOUR ORGANIZATION

A good CLCA process is vital to an organization. It is the method by which problems get tracked and fixed in a methodical fashion.

RELIABILITY INTEGRATION

An example of Reliability Integration during CLCA is as follows:

A CLCA can help classify failures as to their relevancy

During HALT, many failures are likely to be uncovered. However, not all failures will be relevant. The FMECA process will find many of these non-relevant failures, but for those that are first found in HALT, a CLCA will help make the determination of the relevancy by use of a variety of tools.

METHODOLOGY

The steps of a Closed Loop Corrective Action Process are:

  1. Plan/Outline of Process

    We shall develop a plan that outlines a failure analysis process tailored to your company and situation. This plan will identify the flow of the process from each area in which a failure can occur, including HALT, DVT, HASS, Customer Site, and more. This plan will also identify all of the resources necessary to make the process successful on an on-going basis, including responsible parties for signing off.

  2. Choice of Failure Analysis Software Tool

    Once we have identified the process, it is time to choose a tool to use for the process. Anything from Excel to Oracle can be used. Special modules are also available from reliability software houses such as ReliaSoft and Relex. We will help choose the best tool for your particular application, or we can help develop one custom for you. This tool must link well with the Field Failure Tracking Tool.

  3. Drive Implementation of Failure Analysis Software Tool

    We will work with the software tool manufacturer to implement it within your organization and make sure the appropriate personnel are trained.

  4. Education/Training of Failure Analysis Software Tool and Process

    We shall educate key individuals on your staff on how to use the tool and how to effectively manage the process.

CASE STUDIES/OPTIONS

The following case studies and options provide example approaches. We shall tailor our approach to meet your specific situation.

  1. Instituting a New Closed-Loop Corrective Action (CLCA) System

    A small Networking company had a disjointed corrective action system and seemed to always be in the reactive mode. We helped develop a plan that outlined a failure analysis process fit for them, identifying each area in which a failure can occur as well as identifying all of the resources necessary to make the process successful on an on-going basis, including responsible parties for signing off. Then we helped them develop and implement a simple but customized failure analysis tool that tracked each failure through the entire process and also created a Field Failure Tracking Tool that linked to it. We then trained the appropriate personnel on how to use this new tool.

  2. Upgrading an Outgrown Closed-Loop Corrective Action (CLCA) System

    A medium size Computer manufacturer had an existing CLCA process, but it was apparent that they had outgrown the process and it was no longer effective. We came in and evaluated their current needs as well future needs based on current growth and recommended a CLCA package to migrate to. We then trained the appropriate personnel on how to use this new tool.

Call Us: (408) 654-0499, x204

Email Us: info@OPSaLaCarte.com

Address: 990 Richard Ave, Suite 101, Santa Clara, CA 95050

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OPS A La Carte, Engineering Success with Reliable Products. We are a leading reliability engineering consulting firm since 2001. We have helped many companies create robust products and elevate them to great success, even become the leader in their industry. We are known for providing the whole gamut of reliability lab testing, consulting, and training. With over 25 reliability engineer-experts around the world, with diverse backgrounds and experience, we serve both domestic and global businesses in all areas of reliability, in depth and width. Hi, my name is Jay Muns, owner and CEO. I have more than 30 years of experience in engineering and business operations.

OPS A La Carte have produced very high-quality results for us, with fast turnaround times. Their engineers are the best in their field, are a pleasure to work with, and their work is of the highest standards available. This has helped us obtain critical product approvals…” We help companies see from outside of their forest and understand what they didn’t know before. Companies come to us out of three scenarios: First, when their products fail. We help put out the fire by identifying problems and providing solutions. Second, after a product is designed, to check the box and move on with getting their product into the marketplace. The best is third: to get engaged early, by including reliability as a part of their initial product design goals. This will save time, money and energy. It is much better to have a worry-free product that addresses reliability issues upfront, than dealing with deficiencies after a product is developed, or worse, already manufactured and sold to the end users. Being proactive with reliability engineering will save a business tons of money and trouble. In all scenarios, you receive professional expertise with integrity and at a fair price. Many of our clients are repeat customers for years because of the value we consistently deliver.

Our ENGINEER-consultants each have over 20 years of experience and perform lab testing, consulting and training based on actual reliability science. They follow well established industry standards, such as “HALT” (highly accelerated life test,) and “HASS” (highly accelerated stress screen.) These engineers evaluate, make recommendations and validate results based on highly relevant lab data, co-relating to real world data. Whether your company has a reliability department or not, you can take advantage of our entire testing-consulting-training package, or any portion of it. We also offer Failure analysis and safety certification services such as UL, CE, and other environmental testing services, like solar, UV, SALT spray testing, ESD (electro-static discharge,) and EMC (electro-magnetic compatibility.)

“Ops A La Carte trained us to use HALT methodology as a proactive tool, to root out key failures in our early and advanced prototypes, and that made it possible for us to deliver dependability that our customers demand, in pilot and production units."“...OPS has played a key role in our evolution from a research company to a manufacturer of ‘mission-critical’ components.” A couple of companies describe our HALT/HASS training as “highly informative, engaging and exciting.” “The benefit far exceeds the price."

Our mission is to enable companies to create their happy customers, with a well-engineered product. By helping our clients understand the real problems and the real solutions, we help improve their careers and reputations. Achieving the win-win-win results for our clients and their customers is our ultimate satisfaction. We have a family-like company culture with positive energy and great teamwork. An improved and reliable product is our own small way to contribute to a better humanity and a slightly better world. Call us at (408) 654-0499, or email us at info@opsalacarte.com, or visit our website www.opsalacarte.com. Thank you!

A couple of our clients' testimonials:

"The expert team at OPS assisted us in evaluating the available reliability testing possibilities, and with their help, we crafted a customized test program precisely sized to meet the needs of our project. The resulting program proved to our team, our customers, and our regulatory auditors that our product was robust, met its reliability goals effectively, and satisfied all safety risk factors."

"...Ops A La Carte worked with us to develop a testing program based on HALT and HASS to effectively assess low-temperature operation capability and screen the boards for assembly and component defects. They then facilitated and supported the HALT and HASS testing effort. It was quicker and more efficient than we had expected. The boards for the first four strings have been delivered. We are looking forward to working with them through completion of the project."