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Due to the nature of its interaction with the users, QMOS stores significant amount of data and there are many people who have both access and ability to modify or change inputs throughout the production process. As the amount of data stored in QMOS grew, so did the number of people using the system and furthermore, did the level of engagement of those users with the system. This progression has led to two new requirements within QMOS: ease of accessibility of data by touch of a button and accountability for data integrity.

The visibility of data, in particular test results has been of paramount importance to minimize the search time for such data throughout the production process. To facilitate this requirement, QMOS has allowed, for example, the ability to see chemistry and jominy test results of heats prior to billets assignment on the assign screen. Furthermore, if one or more billets of a given heat have been test rolled against a work order in the past, the mechanical, physical and tensile test results of the test roll are shown to the user upon assignment in order for the user to make better decisions in less time.

As far as QC staff are concerned, finished good test results at all levels of testing are shown so that any issues or concerns with the material are addressed before it is shipped to customer. More advanced analysis tools, namely Test Graph and Test Analysis screens are part of version 10.4 and the new QC module currently under development, which among other things, provide QC supervisors with tools to perform trending, based on a multitude of criteria. For example, the user is able to view the trend of tensile or physical test results based on grade, compare chemistry test results against mechanical results of a certain grade for all historical records or look at dimensional test results variations of a given product. There are no limits to the analysis capabilities that QMOS brings with its latest version.

Establishing accountability on changes and modifications to data is crucial when it comes to cases where errors have happened or when claims come about. If it is claimed that a material with failed chemistry test result has been shipped out of inventory while QMOS shows that the material has no failed tests, referring to the history of test results is essential in evaluating such claims. QMOS has recently been equipped with advanced test result tracking features that allow the users to not only see the data that was modified but also the data that was completely deleted. The user id associated with the transaction as well as the time and date of the occurrence are also recorded in order to draw a full picture of the events and transactions made on the sample or the heat in question. Similarly, the same functionality is provided for keeping transaction records on work orders and sales orders, allowing users to see a full history of these transactions. Test result history and work order history are invaluable tools that enable accountability for what happens in a mill so that errors and mistakes can be nipped in the bud.

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