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.