Data-based methods for quality improvement by process step integration

The improvement of product quality is a continual challenge in the steel industry. In this paper it is demonstrated that data-based methods can be used successfully to optimize existing processes in terms of the attainable product quality. The starting point for such an optimization is to utilize databases with process integrated steps, which contain valuable information about the total chain of treatment steps and thus about the origin of the product. Besides the challenge to information technology, the working steps for the analysis of the data and the modelling afterward are of decisive importance. Both are explained here. It becomes clear, that by application of modern methods of data analysis and data modelling the development of powerful and versatile usable quality models is possible. In order to be successful it is important to have powerful and user friendly software tools available. Therefore a solution is presented here, which supports the user efficiently in all necessary working steps by appropriate function modules.