Statistical process control for managers

Statistical process control (SPC) as we know it was developed by Walter Shewhart in the 1920s and 1930s. Properly employed, SPC can be a significant factor in the control and minimization of variation in the manufacture of products and the delivery of services. It can greatly reduce the time it takes to recognize problems and provide information useful in the identification of root causes of those problems. SPC is also useful in demonstrating that a process is capable of consistently delivering what the customer wants. For this reason, some organizations require their suppliers to use SPC in order to become preferred suppliers. SPC also can provide conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of continuous process improvement programs. The concept of SPC is relatively simple and with today's modern software packages, the mechanics of using SPC are simple. But that simplicity can lead to problems. The purpose of this book is to provide the necessary understanding to effectively utilize SPC for the improvement of the quality and consistency of both products and services. The book will primarily utilize Minitab, one of the most popular statistical analysis software packages and frequently used with SPC applications. Other software, including SPSS and SAS/JMP will be used selectively as well. The basic statistics behind control charts will be covered as well as how to use the software to create the charts. The book will also address the question of why SPC should be considered for use, the process of implementing SPC, how to incorporate SPC into problem identification, problem solving, and the management and improvement of processes, products, and services If you have been frustrated by very technical statistical process control (SPC) training materials, then this is the book for you. This book focuses on how SPC works and why managers should consider using it in their operations. It provides you with a conceptual understanding of SPC so that appropriate decisions can be made about the benefits of incorporating SPC into the process management and quality improvement processes. Today, there is little need to make the necessary calculations by hand, so the author utilizes Minitab and NWA Quality Analyst—two of the most popular statistical analysis software packages on the market. Links are provided to the home pages of these software packages where trial versions may be downloaded for evaluation and trial use. The book also addresses the question of why SPC should be considered for use, the process of implementing SPC, how to incorporate SPC into problem identification, problem solving, and the management and improvement of processes, products, and services.

If you have been frustrated by very technical statisticalprocess control (SPC) training materials, then this is thebook for you. This book focuses on how SPC works andwhy managers should consider using it in their operations.It provides you with a conceptual understanding ofSPC so that appropriate decisions can be made about thebenefits of incorporating SPC into the process managementand quality improvement processes.Today, there is little need to make the necessary calculationsby hand, so the author utilizes Minitab and NWAQuality Analyst—two of the most popular statistical analysissoftware packages on the market. Links are providedto the home pages of these software packages where trialversions may be downloaded for evaluation and trial use.The book also addresses the question of why SPCshould be considered for use, the process of implementingSPC, how to incorporate SPC into problem identification, problem solving, and the management and improvementof processes, products, and services.

Content: 1. The value SPC can add to quality, operations, supply chain management, and continuous improvement programs -- 2. Variation and what it means to be in control and capable -- 3. Introduction to control charts -- 4. Basic control charts for variables -- 5. Advanced control charts for variables -- 6. Control charts for attributes -- 7. Process capability -- 8. SPC in service industries -- Appendix A. Bare bones introduction to basic statistical concepts -- Appendix B. SPC software used to illustrate this book -- Notes -- References -- Index.