Financial Justification of Nondestructive Testing: Cost of Quality in Manufacturing

Finance is not, in general, a part of the curriculum for scientists, engineers, and even nondestructive testing (NDT) specialists. Therefore, justifying proposals for new methods and equipment that may seemingly add a modicum of cost to the production process can be problematic. Financial Justification of Nondestructive Testing not only explains how 100% inspection by high-tech methods can save money for a manufacturing organization, but also explains how to justify this cost to upper management. Placing NDT in the historical context of quality and inspection, the author demonstrates three methods of calculation for proving the validity of NDT. He includes a forum of arguments, for and against, on the use of NDT; covers how NDT relates to quality standards like ISO-9000; and provides new examples of successful NDT. The book draws on examples from real life, demonstrating use of 100% NDT in factory situations when proven justified by financial calculations. It also describes high-tech inspection technology in the context of modern ISO Quality Standards, Total Quality Management theory, and Statistical Process Control. Inspection by means of NDT is a process that has a definite place in the big picture of quality and cost-effective manufacturing. Obtaining finance is key to the implementation of NDT, yet financial calculations are often the stumbling block to getting the needed approvals. Demonstrating how to apply financial formulas to prove or disprove the utility of 100% NDT, Financial Justification of Nondestructive Testing helps you build the financial case for your NDT projects.

Emmanuel P. Papadakis