Original Date: 07/18/1994
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

To reduce the cycle time required for Manufacturing Instructions (MIs) procedure approvals, Mason & Hanger (M&H) has developed an electronic procedure approval system using the E-mail network. Previously, a manual approval route was required with one person at a time reviewing and signing off on procedures. Procedures had to be hand carried or sent through the plant mail system, and copies had to be generated and distributed throughout the plant. In some cases, delays caused lost time on the production line and impacted the schedule of the various programs.

To overcome these delays, M&H now uses its E-mail system to gain electronic approval of all MIs. The system provides an electronic "fill in the blank" form available to all users. This form provides all information for the procedure and when completed, goes directly to a typist for cleanup and proper formatting. The document is then sent electronically to all approvers for simultaneous sign off. Final approvals are received through the e-mail system and are entered in a log which is printed for objective evidence.

The cycle time for approval of MIs had been reduced over the years but has shown an additional significant decline since the e-mail system initiation in 1991. Generating between 500 to 600 MIs (including revisions) per year, M&H has saved a significant amount of time through the use of the electronic procedure approvals.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.