Question 7: What SPC software should we use?
There are several programs available, and there are great differences between them – greater than what is usually justified. They all use the same formulae for calculating control limits, capability indices, etc., but the manner of presentation differs from one program to another.
SPC is primarily an operator’s tool; it is the operator’s job to measure and control his process, and to interpret the control charts. If the software makes the operator’s job more complicated, it may be very hard to get SPC accepted. Minimum requirements for good software:
• The control chart must be easy to read.
• Adjustments to the process must be easily traceable to the change in question and identifiable on the control chart.
• Every sample group must have its own readily identifiable time log.
• Trends and control rules must be easy to see.
If you choose NielsenConsulting to help you implement SPC, you can borrow instructive, user-friendly software during the period of tuition.
Faq´s about SPC
1. Why should we use SPC in my company? »
2. Where should we start using SPC in our operations? »
3. What can we achieve with SPC? »
4. Can we start to introduce SPC without any preparation? »
5. What is MSA? »
6. What should we think about before starting to use SPC? »
7. What software should we use? »
8. What is the difference between producing with and without SPC? »
9. Where should the control limits be located on the control chart? »
10. What capability index should we have as a minimum requirement? »
11. We produce short runs. Is SPC any use to us? »
12. At what intervals should we measure the sample groups? »