Control Plans

– Control Plan Development –

⇓ Introduction to Control Plans
⇓ What is a Control Plan
⇓ Why Develop a Control Plan
⇓ How to Develop a Control Plan
⇓ Learn More About Control Plans

Introduction to Control Plans

Most companies are looking for methods to reduce cost and eliminate waste in their processes. In the business
world today controlling waste and maintaining a high level of quality is imperative for a company to succeed.
The cost of doing business is ever increasing. Rising costs of raw materials combined with labor and equipment
costs have brought scrap reduction into the critical to business category. The cost of steel alone has more than
doubled in the last two years. Therefore, it has become increasingly important to assure that parts are being
produced that conform to customer requirements every time. In addition, we must have the ability to detect a
non-conforming part or assembly as well as a plan for responding to changing process conditions. The majority
of manufacturing companies are experienced at detecting initial problems and developing corrective actions to
correct the problem. But many fall short when it comes to sustaining those corrective actions or process
improvements over a long period of time. In many cases the process gradually returns to its previous state and
the problems eventually resurface. The purpose of a Control Plan is to monitor processes and assure that any
improvements are maintained over the life cycle of the part or product. Control Plans are currently being utilized
to ensure product quality in the Automotive, Aerospace, Agricultural Equipment, Heavy Equipment and many
other industries throughout the world. A Control Plan is often a Production Part Approval Process
(PPAP) requirement for suppliers of parts to companies in these industries. The primary resource for
information regarding Control Plan Methodology in the automotive industry is the Advanced Product Quality
Planning and Control Plan manual published by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).
What is a Control Plan
The Control Plan is a document that describes the actions (measurements, inspections, quality checks or
monitoring of process parameters) required at each phase of a process to assure the process outputs will conform
to pre-determined requirements. In simpler terms, the Control Plan provides the operator or inspector with the
information required to properly control the process and produce quality parts or assemblies. It should also
include instructions regarding actions taken if a non-conformance is detected. The Control Plan does not replace
detailed operator instructions. In some cases the Control Plan is used in conjunction with an inspection sheet or
checklist. The Control Plan helps assure quality is maintained in a process in the event of employee turnover by
establishing a standard for quality inspection and process monitoring. Control Plans are living documents that
should be periodically updated as the measurement methods and controls are improved throughout the life cycle
of the product.
 Control Plan Template
Why Develop a Control Plan
Developing and implementing Control Plan Methodology has several benefits. The use of Control Plans helps
reduce or eliminate waste in a process. Businesses today must reduce waste everywhere possible. The Control
Plan improves product quality by identifying the sources of variation in a process and establishing controls to
monitor them. Control Plans focus on the product characteristics most important to the customer and the
business. By focusing on what is critical to quality during the process, you can reduce scrap, eliminate costly
reworks and prevent defective product from reaching the customer. When scrap and reworks are reduced,
throughput of the process is inherently improved. Manufacturing efficiency is improved and your company’s
bottom line is impacted in a positive manner.
How to Develop a Control Plan
The Control Plan should be developed by a Cross Functional Team (CFT) that has an understanding of the
process being controlled or improved. By utilizing a CFT, you are likely to identify more opportunities for
improvement of the process. The Control Plan is more than just a form to fill out. It is a plan developed by the
team to control the process and ensure the process produces quality parts that meet the customer requirements.
The information contained in the control plan can originate from several sources, including but not limited to the
following:
 Process Flow Diagram
 Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)
 Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA)
 Special Characteristics Matrix
  Lessons Learned from similar parts
 Design Reviews
 Team knowledge about the process
 Field or warranty issues
Throughout the life cycle of a product, the information contained in the list above frequently changes or the
content grows. Therefore the Control Plan must be a living document, continuously updated as new information
is added. The Control Plan therefore is an integral part of an effective product quality system.
The Three Levels of Control Plans
Prior to completing the Control Plan development, the team must determine the proper level appropriate for the
process being controlled. There are three designations for a Control Plan level based upon what point the
product is at in the New Product Introduction (NPI) process. They are as follows:
1. Prototype – This level Control Plan should include descriptions of the dimensions to be measured and
the material and performance tests to be completed during the prototype build
2. Pre-Launch – This level of Control Plan should contain descriptions of the dimensions to be measured
and the material and performance tests to be completed after prototype but prior to product launch and
regular production
3. Production – This level of Control Plan should contain a comprehensive listing of the product and
process special characteristics, the process controls, measurement methods and tests that will be
performed during regular production
The Control Plan Format
There are many variations of the form used to document the Control Plan. Most of the forms used are in the
Excel format although there are custom software packages available for many quality tools, including Control
Plans. The following section will provide descriptions of what general information should be populated in each
of the blocks. The types of control plans vary depending upon the process being controlled.
1. Control Plan Level – The appropriate box should be checked to indicate the level or type of Control
Plan that is being developed
2. Control Plan Number – Enter the appropriate number that the Control Plan will be listed as in your
document control system
3. Part Number/Latest Change – The part number listed on the drawing should be entered in this box
o In addition the appropriate change or revision level should be indicated. The control plan should
be reviewed and updated with each level change or revision of the part or assembly. The control
plan should be a living document.
4. Part Name/Description – The name and description of the part or process being controlled should be
entered in this box
o The process name is preferred if the Control Plan is covering a family of parts produced on the
same process
5. Supplier/Plant – Enter name of the company and plant/division developing the Control Plan
6. Supplier Code – Your designated supplier code should be entered if the part is being produced for an
external customer
7. Key Contact/Phone – The Name and contact information (phone number, email) of the primary contact
responsible for the Control Plan
8. Core Team – Enter the names of the CFT that prepared the Control Plan
9. Supplier/Plant Approval Date – Once the approval is received from the customer, enter the date
approval was received
10. Other Approval/Date – Enter any additional approval information and date if required
11. Date Original – The date the Control Plan was initially completed should be entered here
12. Date/Rev – Insert the latest revision date of the Control Plan released in this box
13. Customer Engineering Approval/Date – If required, obtain the customer engineering approval
information and enter in this location
 14. Customer Quality Approval/Date – If required, obtain the customer quality representative approval
information and enter in this location
15. Other Approval/Date – Enter any additional approval information and date if required
16. Part/Process Number – The information for this column is referenced from the process flow
o Part numbers may be entered for an assembly and in some applications the process step number
from the Process flow is entered
17. Process Name/Operation Description – Enter information from the process flow diagram that describes
the operation being performed in this column
18. Machine/Device/Jigs/Tool for Manufacturing – In this column, identify the equipment, machines,
fixtures, jigs and other tools required to accomplish the particular process operation listed in the
corresponding row
Characteristics Section
This section of the Control Plan describes the particular characteristics of the product or process that may need
to be controlled and documented. The characteristic could be product or process related and the data could be
variable or attribute data. The difference between product and process characteristics is often confused when
completing a Control Plan.
19. Number – This column is used for assigning a number corresponding to information in the process
flow, work instructions or a numbered print
20. Product – Product characteristics are physical features or properties of an assembly or component part
usually described on the drawing that can be measured when the process is completed. Not all the
dimensions or features on the print should be listed on the Control Plan. The team should determine the
key or critical characteristics and compile them from their various sources. Special, Key or Critical
characteristics come from the DFMEA exercise, print reviews, product or process historical
information and customer feedback. If there are no key product characteristics for the particular
operation, leave this space blank.
21. Process – In this column, the team should identify the Key characteristics relating to the process.
Examples would be the setting on a torque tool or the orientation of parts in a fixture. If there are no
key process characteristics for the particular operation, leave this space blank. There could be multiple
process characteristics listed for a single product characteristic. Key process characteristics can
originate from the PFMEA or team knowledge of the process performance.
22. Special Characteristic Classification – Enter the letter representing the appropriate classification for any
special characteristics. The list of designations is below:
o D – Design
o P – Process
o R – Regulatory
o OS – Operator Safety

Methods Section
The information contained in the methods section includes the specification to be measured and a plan for
collecting the data and controlling the process. The data could be variable or attribute data.
23. Product/Process Specification / Tolerance – List the specification and tolerance as defined on the
drawing, material specification, 3D model or in the manufacturing or assembly documentation
24. Evaluation/Measurement Technique – Identify the measurement tools, gages, fixtures and / or test
equipment used to evaluate the part or process specification listed in the previous column.
A Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) is recommended to assure that correct, consistent usable
data is being collected.
25. Sample Size – If sampling is required, list the corresponding sample size or number of parts or
assemblies that should be measured /evaluated during the process
26. Sample Frequency – If sampling is required, list the frequency at which the samples will be taken
during the process. As an example, the frequency could be 1st, 25th and final, or it could be
continuous.
 27. Control Method / Prevention – This column should list the prevention controls and / or documents the
operator will need to complete the process step. This should include work instructions, drawings, visual
aids, etc.
28. Control Method / Detection – The information in this column is critical for the effectiveness of the
Control Plan. This column should list any detection controls determined by the team during the
previous quality plan activities, including the DFMEA and PFMEA. The methods could include but are
not limited to Statistical Process Control (SPC), visual inspection, attribute data collection, error
proofing, etc. A document or procedure number may also be populated in this space. The effectiveness
of the control selected should be evaluated on a regular basis.
29. Reaction Plan – This column should specify the actions required to prevent production of non-
conforming products. The actions should be the responsibility of the operator and / or their immediate
supervisor. They should include at the very least how to label, identify and quarantine the non-
conforming material and the proper disposition of the suspect material, parts or assemblies. In addition,
the reaction plan should include directions for properly documenting the incident and who should be
notified of the non-conformance.
Control Plans can vary depending upon what type of process is being controlled. There are many different
applications where the Control Plan can add value to the process. Below are a few examples of the different
applications:
 Equipment set-up process where the major contributor to process variation is proper set-up of the
equipment prior to the production run
 Equipment tooling dominant process where the major influence on variation is the impact of tool life
on the part or product design characteristics
 Operator dominant process where the variation in the process is a result of the knowledge or training of
the operator and the proper controls
The Control Plan can be a very effective tool for reducing the amount of scrap generated by a process. It can be
very useful at improving quality and helping contain any non-conforming product prior to it leaving the work
cell. It is most effective when incorporated into a larger quality plan. The Control Plan is the same as any other
tool, in that to get the most value you must know how to use it properly. Your teams will require training and
coaching in order to implement an effective Control Plan system. If you are interested in learning more about
Control Plan Methodology, please contact one of our experienced professionals at Quality-One.