Of the 831 Nadcap NCRs written between May-1,-2017 and April-30, 2018 70% of those NCRs were a result of failure to comply with the pyrometry requirements of AMS-2750. Historically this percentage has hovered around ~50% and this year pyrometry-related NCRs are noticeably up. So why have these numbers been so high for so long?
The Numbers: A quick analysis of the data indicates that many of the 582 pyrometry-related NCRs that make up this year’s list are the same NCRs that have made the Top 10 list in years past. This years-long pattern comes as no surprise. Heat treaters and pyrometry labs have the very difficult task of not only correctly interpreting AMS-2750 but are also responsible for ensuring that the never-ending series of required tests are carried out and documented properly 100% of the time.
What’s Being Tried: In an effort to manage compliance and mitigate the number of pyrometry-related NCRs heat treaters and pyrometry labs are relying on generic maintenance/calibration software and/or a series of custom spreadsheets.
What’s Not Working: When we look at current and historical pyrometry-related NCR data it’s clear that the systems described above oftentimes fail to prevent pyrometry-related NCRs, and here is why: AMS-2750 is a very complex set of rules and none of the systems described above are equipped to fully ensure compliance because they were not built entirely around AMS-2750.
What’s Working: There is no denying that integrating software into the compliance process is key. However, in order to be effective (ie: fewer NCRs) it’s essential that the software is built entirely around AMS-2750. There are such software solutions sometimes called: Compliance Management Systems. Some are designed specifically to eliminate pyrometry-related NCRs while saving boat-loads of time & frustration. These systems give the heat treater complete control and visibility over the compliance process.
Looking ahead: Eliminating pyrometry-related NCRs will continue to be a challenge for heat treaters, especially as quality specifications continue to be updated, modified, and re-interpreted. However, many heat treaters are investing in a Compliance Management System as an insurance policy that reduces their exposure to NCRs and other quality-related risks.
For details and supporting data contact: Nathan Wright
+1 (317) 402-0021 nwright@C3data.com C3data.com