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Overview

Quality Hub GINEZ uses statistical process control to evaluate batch conformity. This guide explains how to properly record measurements and understand the control chart logic.

Measurement Equipment

Before recording measurements, ensure you have the proper equipment:

Digital Refractometer (% Sólidos)

  • Used for measuring solid content (Brix)
  • Follow procedure IO-DOP-OP-002
  • Record temperature at time of measurement
  • Take two independent measurements for accuracy

pH Reactive Strips

  • Used for measuring pH levels
  • Follow procedure IO-DOP-OP-001
  • Wait for color stabilization before reading
  • Compare against provided color chart
Calibrate equipment regularly according to your quality management procedures. Inaccurate equipment leads to false non-conformities.

Control Chart Logic

Quality Hub GINEZ uses a three-level control chart system to classify batch conformity:

Understanding the Limits

Red Lines (Specification Limits)

These are the minimum and maximum acceptable values defined in product standards:
  • Lower Spec Limit: Minimum acceptable value
  • Upper Spec Limit: Maximum acceptable value
  • Values between red lines = CONFORME (Compliant)

Yellow Lines (Tolerance Limits)

These represent a ±5% relative error tolerance around specification limits:
  • Lower Tolerance: Spec Min × 0.95
  • Upper Tolerance: Spec Max × 1.05
  • Values between red and yellow lines = SEMI-CONFORME (Within Tolerance)

Outside Yellow Lines

  • Values outside tolerance = NO CONFORME (Non-Compliant)

Example: Solids Measurement

Assume a product has these standards:
  • Spec Min: 10.0%
  • Spec Max: 12.0%
Calculated Limits:
  • Lower Tolerance (Yellow): 10.0 × 0.95 = 9.5%
  • Lower Spec (Red): 10.0%
  • Upper Spec (Red): 12.0%
  • Upper Tolerance (Yellow): 12.0 × 1.05 = 12.6%
Classification:
  • 11.0%: CONFORME (between 10.0 and 12.0)
  • 9.8%: SEMI-CONFORME (between 9.5 and 10.0)
  • 12.4%: SEMI-CONFORME (between 12.0 and 12.6)
  • 9.2%: NO CONFORME (below 9.5)
  • 13.0%: NO CONFORME (above 12.6)

Recording Solids Measurements

1
Prepare the Sample
2
  • Ensure the product is well-mixed
  • Take a representative sample from the batch
  • Note the ambient temperature
  • 3
    Take First Measurement (M1)
    4
  • Place a drop of product on the refractometer prism
  • Close the cover and wait 5 seconds for temperature stabilization
  • Read the % Sólidos value from the display
  • Record the measurement temperature in °C
  • Enter both values in the form:
    • % Sólidos - M1: The Brix reading
    • Temp - M1: The temperature
  • 5
    Take Second Measurement (M2)
    6
  • Clean the refractometer prism thoroughly
  • Take a fresh sample
  • Repeat the measurement process
  • Record the second measurement:
    • % Sólidos - M2: The Brix reading
    • Temp - M2: The temperature
  • 7
    The system automatically calculates the average of M1 and M2. This average is used for conformity evaluation.
    8
    Clean Equipment
    9
    After recording, clean the refractometer according to maintenance procedures.

    Recording pH Measurements

    1
    Prepare the Sample
    2
  • Ensure the product is well-mixed
  • Pour a small amount into a clean container
  • Use fresh reactive strips (not expired)
  • 3
    Measure pH
    4
  • Dip the reactive strip into the sample
  • Remove immediately and shake off excess liquid
  • Wait 10-15 seconds for color development
  • Compare the strip color against the reference chart
  • Determine the pH value
  • 5
    Enter pH Value
    6
  • In the Valor de pH field, enter the measured value
  • The system accepts values from 0 to 14
  • You can enter decimals (e.g., 7, 7.5, 8)
  • The field will reject invalid entries automatically
  • 7
    Common Error: Entering pH values outside 0-14 range. The system will not accept these values.

    Recording Organoleptic Parameters

    Organoleptic parameters are evaluated visually and compared against product standards.

    Apariencia (Appearance)

    1. Observe the product in good lighting
    2. Compare against the expected appearance for the product
    3. Select the observed characteristic from the dropdown:
      • CRISTALINO: Clear, transparent liquid
      • OPACO: Opaque, non-transparent
      • APERLADO: Pearl-like, lustrous appearance
      • TURBIO: Cloudy or hazy
      • PARTICULAS SUSPENDIDAS: Visible particles floating
      • SEPARACION DE COMPONENTES: Visible layer separation
    The system knows the expected appearance for each product. If you select a different appearance than expected, it will flag as non-conforming.

    Color

    Compare the product color against reference standards:
    1. Use daylight or neutral lighting
    2. Compare against color reference (if available)
    3. Select:
      • CONFORME: Color matches specification
      • NO CONFORME: Color differs from specification

    Aroma

    1. Smell the product (safely, without direct inhalation)
    2. Compare against the expected fragrance profile
    3. Select:
      • CONFORME: Aroma matches specification
      • NO CONFORME: Aroma is off or different

    What Happens During Validation

    When you click “Finalizar y Generar Lote”, the system performs these checks:

    1. Required Field Check

    • Verifies all mandatory fields are filled
    • Checks that solids measurements (if applicable) have all 4 values (M1, T1, M2, T2)
    • Checks that pH (if applicable) is filled

    2. Solids Conformity Evaluation

    If solids apply:
    Average = (M1 + M2) / 2
    
    IF Average >= Spec_Min AND Average <= Spec_Max THEN
        Status = CONFORME
    ELSE IF Average >= Tolerance_Min AND Average <= Tolerance_Max THEN
        Status = SEMI-CONFORME  
    ELSE
        Status = NO CONFORME
    

    3. pH Conformity Evaluation

    If pH applies:
    IF pH >= pH_Min AND pH <= pH_Max THEN
        pH Status = CONFORME
    ELSE
        pH Status = NO CONFORME
    

    4. Appearance Conformity Evaluation

    IF Appearance == Expected_Appearance THEN
        Appearance Status = CONFORME
    ELSE
        Appearance Status = NO CONFORME
    

    5. Overall Status Determination

    IF ANY parameter is NO CONFORME THEN
        Overall Status = NO CONFORME
    ELSE IF ANY parameter is SEMI-CONFORME THEN
        Overall Status = RETENER (Tolerance/Hold)
    ELSE
        Overall Status = CONFORME
    
    The most severe non-conformity determines the overall batch status.

    Understanding Notifications

    After submission, you’ll see one of these notifications:

    ✅ Producto Conforme

    Meaning: All parameters passed specification limits Action: None required. Batch is approved for release. Duration: 4 seconds

    ⚠️ Producto en Tolerancia (Retener)

    Meaning: All parameters passed, but some are within tolerance (yellow zone) Action: Releasable with caution. Document in batch record. Duration: 6 seconds

    ⚠️ Producto No Conforme

    Meaning: One or more parameters failed tolerance limits Action: DO NOT release batch. Immediate review required. Click “Ver detalles” to navigate to Quality Control. Duration: 8 seconds
    Non-conforming batches must not be released for sale. Initiate your NCR (Non-Conformance Report) procedure immediately.

    Best Practices

    Accuracy Tips

    • Take measurements at stable temperatures
    • Clean equipment between measurements
    • Record values immediately - do not rely on memory
    • Use fresh, calibrated reagents and strips

    Documentation

    • Record any unusual observations in the Observaciones field
    • Note environmental conditions if relevant (high humidity, temperature extremes)
    • Document equipment used if multiple devices available

    Efficiency

    • Prepare all materials before starting measurements
    • Follow the same sequence every time to avoid missed steps
    • Record measurements as soon as taken
    • Keep standards and procedures accessible for quick reference

    Troubleshooting

    ”Faltan mediciones de Sólidos” Error

    This means you filled some but not all solids fields. Solution: Ensure all 4 fields are filled: M1, T1, M2, T2

    ”Falta medición de pH” Error

    This means pH is required for this product but not filled. Solution: Enter the pH value in the Valor de pH field

    pH Field Won’t Accept My Value

    The field validates pH range (0-14). Solution:
    • Check you’re entering a number, not text
    • Ensure value is between 0 and 14
    • Use decimal point, not comma (e.g., 7.5, not 7,5)

    Measurements Keep Showing Non-Compliant

    If batches consistently fail:
    1. Verify equipment calibration
    2. Check measurement procedure compliance
    3. Review product formulation
    4. Contact Quality Manager

    Next Steps

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