What do manufacturers use to prevent misuse of materials in a production process?

Manufacturers use raw material controls to prevent misuse of materials in a production process by ensuring that only the correct materials are used at the appropriate stages of production. This involves implementing procedures that include the verification of materials upon receipt, tracking their usage throughout the production process, and establishing guidelines for handling and storing these materials.

Raw material controls can help prevent errors such as using substandard materials or incorrect types of materials, which can lead to defects in the final product. By maintaining strict control over which materials enter the production line, manufacturers can enhance quality, reduce waste, and ensure consistency in their outputs. These controls can include specifications for materials, supplier quality assessments, and traceability systems that monitor the flow of materials from suppliers to final products.

In contrast, while product specifications, employee training programs, and inventory management systems play important roles in overall production efficiency and quality, they do not specifically address the direct prevention of misuse of materials as effectively as raw material controls. Product specifications define the properties of the end product, employee training focuses on operational safety and knowledge, and inventory management systems ensure that materials are available but do not directly enforce correct usage in the production process.