Quality Lab
Three Biggest Operational Challenges in the Quality Lab
Manual Data Entry and Isolated Measurement Systems
Measurement results are often recorded manually or stored in siloed systems, increasing the risk of errors and slowing down feedback to production.
Limited Traceability of Inspection Results and Test Conditions
It’s difficult to link inspection data to specific lots, machines, operators, or environmental conditions—making root cause analysis and audits harder.
Slow Feedback Loop Between Lab, Production, and Engineering
Quality issues detected in the lab may not be communicated in time to prevent ongoing defects in production, resulting in scrap, rework, or customer complaints.
Key Personas Involved in the Quality Lab
Quincy the Quality Engineer
Defines test plans and control methods, analyzes lab results, investigates defects, and drives corrective and preventive actions.
Quentin the Quality Manager
Oversees lab workflow, prioritizes incoming inspections or problem samples, ensures timely reporting, and coordinates with production and engineering.
Pat the Process Engineer
Collaborates with the lab on root cause analysis, process capability studies, and implementation of corrective actions in production.
Five High-Value Use Cases for MBrain and Mint
1. Use Case: Digital Test Result Capture and Auto-Sync with ERP/QMS
Challenge: Manual entry of measurements from gauges or CMMs leads to delays, errors, and inconsistent records.
How MBrain + Mint helps:
MBrain allows technicians to enter or import measurement results digitally at the point of inspection.
Mint connects lab instruments or CMM software to automatically push results into ERP/QMS systems.
Benefit: Accurate, standardized test records and faster reporting with no duplication of work.
2. Use Case: Live Visibility of Quality Status and Lab Queue
Challenge: Production teams are often unaware of delays in lab testing or pending quality decisions.
How MBrain + Mint helps:
MBrain provides dashboards showing real-time test status (pending, in progress, passed, failed) for each lot or batch.
Mint syncs status updates across MES, ERP, and planning tools.
Benefit: Improved collaboration between quality and production, reduced waiting time, and better planning of downstream operations.
3. Use Case: Automated COA (Certificate of Analysis) and Report Generation
Challenge: Generating customer-facing reports manually is time-consuming and error-prone.
How MBrain + Mint helps:
MBrain compiles test results into pre-configured COA templates based on customer or product requirements.
Mint pulls necessary specs and tolerances from ERP or PLM and auto-fills the report.
Benefit: Fast, professional documentation with full traceability, reducing delivery delays and improving customer trust.
4. Use Case: Root Cause Analysis Support with Linked Inspection Data
Challenge: Lab data is often isolated from production context, making root cause analysis harder.
How MBrain + Mint helps:
MBrain links test results to production batch, machine, operator, and environmental data.
Mint integrates this with MES and SPC tools to enable statistical correlation and deeper defect investigation.
Benefit: Accelerated problem-solving and more effective corrective actions, reducing repeat quality issues.
5. Use Case: Automated Calibration and Instrument Validation Tracking
Challenge: Outdated or uncalibrated instruments risk invalidating inspection results, with compliance consequences.
How MBrain + Mint helps:
MBrain alerts technicians when tools or machines are due for calibration or validation.
Mint connects with calibration management software or CMMS to sync instrument status.
Benefit: Improved lab reliability, compliance with ISO/IATF/medical standards, and reduced risk of using invalid tools.