Control Plan
When to Activate This Skill
- "Create a control plan for [part/process]"
- "What inspection frequency for [characteristic]?"
- "Define control methods for [operation]"
- "Link PFMEA to control plan"
- "What's the reaction plan for [out-of-spec condition]?"
- "Develop prototype/pre-launch/production control plan"
Control Plan Phases
Prototype Control Plan
- Purpose: Control during prototype build
- Focus: Dimensional measurements, material tests, performance
- Frequency: Often 100% on critical dimensions
- Duration: Until prototype approval
Pre-Launch Control Plan
- Purpose: Control during PPAP/validation runs
- Focus: Enhanced inspection, process validation
- Frequency: Increased sampling, SPC establishment
- Duration: Until production approval (PSW)
Production Control Plan
- Purpose: Ongoing production control
- Focus: Standardized controls, sustained quality
- Frequency: Based on process capability
- Duration: Life of production
AIAG Control Plan Format
Required Columns
| Column |
Description |
Source |
| Part/Process Number |
Operation step number |
Process Flow |
| Process Name/Description |
Operation description |
Process Flow |
| Machine/Device/Jig/Tool |
Equipment used |
Process documentation |
| Characteristic Number |
Unique ID for characteristic |
Sequential |
| Product Characteristic |
Part feature being controlled |
Drawing, spec |
| Process Characteristic |
Process parameter affecting product |
PFMEA |
| Special Char Class |
CC, SC, or blank |
PFMEA/Drawing |
| Product/Process Spec |
Tolerance or requirement |
Drawing, spec |
| Evaluation/Measurement |
Gage/method used |
MSA |
| Sample Size |
Quantity inspected |
Based on risk |
| Sample Frequency |
How often inspection occurs |
Based on risk |
| Control Method |
How results are recorded/used |
SPC, checklist, etc. |
| Reaction Plan |
Action when out of spec |
Defined response |
Special Characteristics
Critical Characteristics (CC)
- Symbol: Shield, (CC), or inverted delta
- Criteria: Safety or regulatory compliance
- Requirements:
- Documented in Control Plan
- Enhanced inspection (often 100%)
- SPC required (Cpk ≥1.67)
- Traceable records
- Identified on drawing
Significant Characteristics (SC)
- Symbol: Diamond, (SC)
- Criteria: Fit, function, appearance significant to customer
- Requirements:
- Documented in Control Plan
- Appropriate inspection frequency
- SPC recommended (Cpk ≥1.33)
- Records maintained
Standard Characteristics
- Symbol: None
- Criteria: All other characteristics
- Requirements:
- Documented in Control Plan
- Sampling based on risk
- Records as required
Sample Size and Frequency Guidelines
Based on Severity (from PFMEA)
| Severity |
Sample Size |
Frequency |
Rationale |
| 9-10 (Safety) |
100% |
Every piece |
Safety critical - no escape |
| 7-8 (High) |
100% or n≥5 |
Per hour or per lot |
High customer impact |
| 5-6 (Moderate) |
n≥3 |
Per shift or per setup |
Moderate risk |
| 1-4 (Low) |
n≥1 |
Per lot or periodic |
Low risk |
Based on Process Capability
| Cpk Range |
Typical Frequency |
Notes |
| <1.00 |
100% or very frequent |
Process not capable |
| 1.00-1.33 |
Every hour or more |
Marginal capability |
| 1.33-1.67 |
Per shift or setup |
Capable |
| >1.67 |
Per setup, daily, or lot |
Highly capable |
Standard Frequency Terms
| Term |
Meaning |
When to Use |
| Continuous |
100% inspection |
Safety, high risk |
| Per piece |
Every part |
Critical characteristics |
| Per hour |
n pieces every hour |
SPC, high-risk |
| Per shift |
Start and end of shift |
Setup-sensitive |
| Per setup |
At setup only |
Stable characteristics |
| Per lot |
One sample per production lot |
Low-risk, stable |
| Daily |
Once per day |
Periodic verification |
| Weekly |
Once per week |
Very stable |
Control Methods
Inspection Methods
| Method |
Description |
Typical Use |
| Visual |
Operator observation |
Surface defects, presence |
| Go/No-Go Gage |
Attribute check |
Hole size, thread, profile |
| Caliper/Micrometer |
Variable measurement |
Dimensions |
| CMM |
Coordinate measurement |
Complex features |
| Height Gage |
Surface plate measurement |
Flatness, position |
| Profilometer |
Surface finish |
Ra, Rz |
| Hardness Tester |
Material property |
HRC, HRB |
| Torque Wrench |
Fastener torque |
Assembly |
| Leak Test |
Seal integrity |
Fluid systems |
| Functional Test |
Performance verification |
End-of-line |
Recording Methods
| Method |
Description |
When to Use |
| Check Sheet |
Attribute recording |
Visual checks, presence |
| Data Log |
Variable data recording |
Measurements |
| SPC Chart |
Statistical control chart |
Critical/significant |
| Traveler |
Part-specific record |
Traceability |
| Electronic |
MES/database entry |
High volume |
| None (process control) |
Poka-yoke, automated |
Error-proofed |
Reaction Plans
Standard Reaction Plan Format
IF [out-of-spec condition] THEN:
1. STOP - Halt production/segregate suspect
2. CONTAIN - Quarantine affected parts
3. NOTIFY - Alert supervisor/quality
4. EVALUATE - Determine root cause and extent
5. CORRECT - Implement fix before restart
6. VERIFY - Confirm correction effective
Reaction Plan Examples
Dimension Out of Spec:
- Stop production
- Segregate last good part to current
- Notify Quality/Supervisor
- Check tool condition, offset, fixture
- Adjust/replace as needed
- Run first piece, verify to spec
- Inspect segregated parts 100%
Visual Defect:
- Reject defective part
- Assess severity (isolated vs trend)
- If trend: notify supervisor, review process
- Identify root cause (tool, material, handling)
- Implement correction
- Resume with enhanced attention
SPC Out of Control:
- Mark control chart
- Continue production if within spec
- Investigate pattern (rule violated)
- Identify assignable cause
- Implement correction
- Document on chart
PFMEA to Control Plan Linkage
Required Flow
PFMEA Item → Control Plan Entry
───────────────── ───────────────────
Process Step → Part/Process Number
Function → Characteristic
Failure Mode → What we're preventing
Detection Control → Control Method
S/O/D Ratings → Sample Size/Frequency
Special Char → Special Char Class
Linkage Verification
For each Control Plan line, verify:
Output Format
When generating Control Plan content:
# Control Plan
**Part Number**: [P/N]
**Part Name**: [Description]
**Customer**: [Customer Name]
**Control Plan Number**: CP-[DEPT]-[SEQ]
**Phase**: [ ] Prototype [ ] Pre-Launch [X] Production
**Revision**: [Rev] | **Date**: [YYYY-MM-DD]
**PFMEA Reference**: PFMEA-[XXX]
## Operation: [Number] - [Name]
### Characteristic 1: [Description]
| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| **Char No.** | [Unique ID] |
| **Product/Process** | Product / Process |
| **Class** | CC / SC / - |
| **Specification** | [Nominal ± Tolerance] |
| **Evaluation Method** | [Gage/Equipment] |
| **Sample Size** | [n] |
| **Sample Frequency** | [When] |
| **Control Method** | [Recording method] |
| **Reaction Plan** | [Reference or inline] |
Integration with Related Skills
PFMEA
Control Plan is direct output of PFMEA:
- Every PFMEA detection control → Control Plan method
- PFMEA severity drives inspection frequency
- PFMEA updates trigger Control Plan review
Load: read ~/.claude/skills/Pfmea/SKILL.md
MSA
All gages in Control Plan require MSA:
- Gage R&R for variable gages
- Attribute agreement for attribute gages
- MSA acceptance before production approval
Load: read ~/.claude/skills/Msa/SKILL.md
AutomotiveManufacturing
Work instructions must reflect Control Plan:
- Inspection steps in work instructions
- Operator-level control methods
- Quality checkpoints documented
Load: read ~/.claude/skills/Automotivemanufacturing/SKILL.md
Supplementary Resources
For detailed guidance:
read ~/.claude/skills/Controlplan/CLAUDE.md
For templates:
read ~/.claude/skills/Controlplan/templates/control-plan-template.md
For control method selection:
read ~/.claude/skills/Controlplan/reference/control-methods.md
For sampling guidelines:
read ~/.claude/skills/Controlplan/reference/sample-frequencies.md
1---2name: controlplan3description: Generate AIAG-format Control Plans linked to PFMEAs with proper inspection methods, frequencies, and reaction plans. Supports Prototype/Pre-launch/Production phases. USE WHEN user says 'control plan', 'CP', 'inspection plan', 'process control', 'sampling frequency', 'reaction plan', or 'special characteristics'. Integrates with PFMEA, AutomotiveManufacturing, and MSA skills.4---5
6# Control Plan
7
8## When to Activate This Skill
9- "Create a control plan for [part/process]"
10- "What inspection frequency for [characteristic]?"
11- "Define control methods for [operation]"
12- "Link PFMEA to control plan"
13- "What's the reaction plan for [out-of-spec condition]?"
14- "Develop prototype/pre-launch/production control plan"
15
16## Control Plan Phases
17
18### Prototype Control Plan
19- **Purpose**: Control during prototype build
20- **Focus**: Dimensional measurements, material tests, performance
21- **Frequency**: Often 100% on critical dimensions
22- **Duration**: Until prototype approval
23
24### Pre-Launch Control Plan
25- **Purpose**: Control during PPAP/validation runs
26- **Focus**: Enhanced inspection, process validation
27- **Frequency**: Increased sampling, SPC establishment
28- **Duration**: Until production approval (PSW)
29
30### Production Control Plan
31- **Purpose**: Ongoing production control
32- **Focus**: Standardized controls, sustained quality
33- **Frequency**: Based on process capability
34- **Duration**: Life of production
35
36## AIAG Control Plan Format
37
38### Required Columns
39
40| Column | Description | Source |
41|--------|-------------|--------|
42| Part/Process Number | Operation step number | Process Flow |
43| Process Name/Description | Operation description | Process Flow |
44| Machine/Device/Jig/Tool | Equipment used | Process documentation |
45| Characteristic Number | Unique ID for characteristic | Sequential |
46| Product Characteristic | Part feature being controlled | Drawing, spec |
47| Process Characteristic | Process parameter affecting product | PFMEA |
48| Special Char Class | CC, SC, or blank | PFMEA/Drawing |
49| Product/Process Spec | Tolerance or requirement | Drawing, spec |
50| Evaluation/Measurement | Gage/method used | MSA |
51| Sample Size | Quantity inspected | Based on risk |
52| Sample Frequency | How often inspection occurs | Based on risk |
53| Control Method | How results are recorded/used | SPC, checklist, etc. |
54| Reaction Plan | Action when out of spec | Defined response |
55
56## Special Characteristics
57
58### Critical Characteristics (CC)
59- **Symbol**: Shield, (CC), or inverted delta
60- **Criteria**: Safety or regulatory compliance
61- **Requirements**:
62 - Documented in Control Plan
63 - Enhanced inspection (often 100%)
64 - SPC required (Cpk ≥1.67)
65 - Traceable records
66 - Identified on drawing
67
68### Significant Characteristics (SC)
69- **Symbol**: Diamond, (SC)
70- **Criteria**: Fit, function, appearance significant to customer
71- **Requirements**:
72 - Documented in Control Plan
73 - Appropriate inspection frequency
74 - SPC recommended (Cpk ≥1.33)
75 - Records maintained
76
77### Standard Characteristics
78- **Symbol**: None
79- **Criteria**: All other characteristics
80- **Requirements**:
81 - Documented in Control Plan
82 - Sampling based on risk
83 - Records as required
84
85## Sample Size and Frequency Guidelines
86
87### Based on Severity (from PFMEA)
88
89| Severity | Sample Size | Frequency | Rationale |
90|----------|-------------|-----------|-----------|
91| 9-10 (Safety) | 100% | Every piece | Safety critical - no escape |
92| 7-8 (High) | 100% or n≥5 | Per hour or per lot | High customer impact |
93| 5-6 (Moderate) | n≥3 | Per shift or per setup | Moderate risk |
94| 1-4 (Low) | n≥1 | Per lot or periodic | Low risk |
95
96### Based on Process Capability
97
98| Cpk Range | Typical Frequency | Notes |
99|-----------|-------------------|-------|
100| <1.00 | 100% or very frequent | Process not capable |
101| 1.00-1.33 | Every hour or more | Marginal capability |
102| 1.33-1.67 | Per shift or setup | Capable |
103| >1.67 | Per setup, daily, or lot | Highly capable |
104
105### Standard Frequency Terms
106
107| Term | Meaning | When to Use |
108|------|---------|-------------|
109| Continuous | 100% inspection | Safety, high risk |
110| Per piece | Every part | Critical characteristics |
111| Per hour | n pieces every hour | SPC, high-risk |
112| Per shift | Start and end of shift | Setup-sensitive |
113| Per setup | At setup only | Stable characteristics |
114| Per lot | One sample per production lot | Low-risk, stable |
115| Daily | Once per day | Periodic verification |
116| Weekly | Once per week | Very stable |
117
118## Control Methods
119
120### Inspection Methods
121
122| Method | Description | Typical Use |
123|--------|-------------|-------------|
124| Visual | Operator observation | Surface defects, presence |
125| Go/No-Go Gage | Attribute check | Hole size, thread, profile |
126| Caliper/Micrometer | Variable measurement | Dimensions |
127| CMM | Coordinate measurement | Complex features |
128| Height Gage | Surface plate measurement | Flatness, position |
129| Profilometer | Surface finish | Ra, Rz |
130| Hardness Tester | Material property | HRC, HRB |
131| Torque Wrench | Fastener torque | Assembly |
132| Leak Test | Seal integrity | Fluid systems |
133| Functional Test | Performance verification | End-of-line |
134
135### Recording Methods
136
137| Method | Description | When to Use |
138|--------|-------------|-------------|
139| Check Sheet | Attribute recording | Visual checks, presence |
140| Data Log | Variable data recording | Measurements |
141| SPC Chart | Statistical control chart | Critical/significant |
142| Traveler | Part-specific record | Traceability |
143| Electronic | MES/database entry | High volume |
144| None (process control) | Poka-yoke, automated | Error-proofed |
145
146## Reaction Plans
147
148### Standard Reaction Plan Format
149
150```
151IF [out-of-spec condition] THEN:
1521. STOP - Halt production/segregate suspect
1532. CONTAIN - Quarantine affected parts
1543. NOTIFY - Alert supervisor/quality
1554. EVALUATE - Determine root cause and extent
1565. CORRECT - Implement fix before restart
1576. VERIFY - Confirm correction effective
158```
159
160### Reaction Plan Examples
161
162**Dimension Out of Spec:**
1631. Stop production
1642. Segregate last good part to current
1653. Notify Quality/Supervisor
1664. Check tool condition, offset, fixture
1675. Adjust/replace as needed
1686. Run first piece, verify to spec
1697. Inspect segregated parts 100%
170
171**Visual Defect:**
1721. Reject defective part
1732. Assess severity (isolated vs trend)
1743. If trend: notify supervisor, review process
1754. Identify root cause (tool, material, handling)
1765. Implement correction
1776. Resume with enhanced attention
178
179**SPC Out of Control:**
1801. Mark control chart
1812. Continue production if within spec
1823. Investigate pattern (rule violated)
1834. Identify assignable cause
1845. Implement correction
1856. Document on chart
186
187## PFMEA to Control Plan Linkage
188
189### Required Flow
190
191```
192PFMEA Item → Control Plan Entry
193───────────────── ───────────────────
194Process Step → Part/Process Number
195Function → Characteristic
196Failure Mode → What we're preventing
197Detection Control → Control Method
198S/O/D Ratings → Sample Size/Frequency
199Special Char → Special Char Class
200```
201
202### Linkage Verification
203
204For each Control Plan line, verify:
205- [ ] PFMEA has corresponding failure mode
206- [ ] Special characteristics match
207- [ ] Control method addresses PFMEA detection
208- [ ] Frequency appropriate for risk level
209- [ ] Reaction plan defined
210
211## Output Format
212
213When generating Control Plan content:
214
215```markdown
216# Control Plan
217**Part Number**: [P/N]
218**Part Name**: [Description]
219**Customer**: [Customer Name]
220**Control Plan Number**: CP-[DEPT]-[SEQ]
221**Phase**: [ ] Prototype [ ] Pre-Launch [X] Production
222**Revision**: [Rev] | **Date**: [YYYY-MM-DD]
223**PFMEA Reference**: PFMEA-[XXX]
224
225## Operation: [Number] - [Name]
226
227### Characteristic 1: [Description]
228
229| Field | Value |
230|-------|-------|
231| **Char No.** | [Unique ID] |
232| **Product/Process** | Product / Process |
233| **Class** | CC / SC / - |
234| **Specification** | [Nominal ± Tolerance] |
235| **Evaluation Method** | [Gage/Equipment] |
236| **Sample Size** | [n] |
237| **Sample Frequency** | [When] |
238| **Control Method** | [Recording method] |
239| **Reaction Plan** | [Reference or inline] |
240```
241
242## Integration with Related Skills
243
244### PFMEA
245Control Plan is direct output of PFMEA:
246- Every PFMEA detection control → Control Plan method
247- PFMEA severity drives inspection frequency
248- PFMEA updates trigger Control Plan review
249
250**Load:** `read ~/.claude/skills/Pfmea/SKILL.md`
251
252### MSA
253All gages in Control Plan require MSA:
254- Gage R&R for variable gages
255- Attribute agreement for attribute gages
256- MSA acceptance before production approval
257
258**Load:** `read ~/.claude/skills/Msa/SKILL.md`
259
260### AutomotiveManufacturing
261Work instructions must reflect Control Plan:
262- Inspection steps in work instructions
263- Operator-level control methods
264- Quality checkpoints documented
265
266**Load:** `read ~/.claude/skills/Automotivemanufacturing/SKILL.md`
267
268## Supplementary Resources
269
270For detailed guidance:
271`read ~/.claude/skills/Controlplan/CLAUDE.md`
272
273For templates:
274`read ~/.claude/skills/Controlplan/templates/control-plan-template.md`
275
276For control method selection:
277`read ~/.claude/skills/Controlplan/reference/control-methods.md`
278
279For sampling guidelines:
280`read ~/.claude/skills/Controlplan/reference/sample-frequencies.md`