Quality
Several NAL (Naktuinbouw Accredited Laboratories) certified laboratories are working with the quality module of ABS.
Although quality is an integrated part in all of the modules of ABS, there still is a special quality module. This module includes all the operational quality activities for handling the samples coming from inventory or processing activities. The process of testing these samples in a laboratory environment and processing the results to get the proper quality figures is completely automated. Next to the operational activities also the management of the quality protocol is handled here. The quality protocol describes for each process the quality samples and tests that have to be done for a product.
The quality module covers:
- Samples
- Inventory Sampling
- External results
- Determination planning
- Determinations
- Determination inlay
- Judgements
Samples
The taking of samples is a continuous and intensive process. One batch or process could lead to multiple samples each with its own destination. This process is highly automated in ABS and can be monitored and planned. All samples of the different batches are registered and can be used for quality tests or kept on inventory as reference.
Inventory sampling
As the seed on inventory is a living organism the quality can change in time. This change can vary for the same product depending on the processes that have taken place on the seed. The inventory sampling process handles the normal sample taking process (time based) and special sample taking process based on the shelf life of a batch.
External results
Some of the testing activities are done by other organisations, like official government institutes or other laboratories. The results coming from these tests can be handled and integrated in the system.
Determinations planning
Every day many quality tests have to be executed. Most of these tests are created automatic by the system as determination assignments. As soon as the samples are confirmed these determinations can be planned in time where elements as counting days and priority are very important.
Determinations
Every individual test is registered as a determination assignment. This determination describes exactly which test has to be executed under which circumstances (the method) and with which quantities.
Determination inlay
As soon as the determination is planned the assigned laboratory employee will start the test. The samples are prepared and the location of the sample is entered. The process of inlay must be organised in such a way that the judgement of the samples can be done efficiently.
Judgements
Product Diseases
At fixed days the result of the test is reviewed and the results entered into the system. Based on all the measurements the system will calculate the proper end figures. The results of the tests have to be evaluated before they can be released and made official. Unexpected results could lead to a repeating of the test while the other results are updated in the batches. The individual test results lead to a general quality classification of the batch based on the norms.
