Statistical process control procedures for controlling the weight of packets of biscuits

Abstract

The thickness and weight of a biscuit are its two most important quality characteristics. Although packets are not sold by weight, the declared weight is considered as the lower specification. Any deviation of these characteristics from their respective nominal values leads to a variation in the weight of packets of biscuits. High pack weight variation is a problem with considerable implications, because underweight packets lead to customer dissatisfaction and excess weight results in loss of profit. Conventionally, the weight and thickness of biscuits are monitored to control the weight of packets. This study describes how the variation in weight of packets was reduced by setting appropriate target values for dough weight and rise per gram (RPG) and controlling these values using simple statistical tools. This led to a substantial reduction of underweight packets from 12.2% to 2.0% and excess weight packets from 2.1% to 0.9% of the declared weight. The statistical techniques used for the purpose of controlling these characteristics are the test for equality of two means, and X-charts for controlling dough weight and RPG on a regular basis.

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