Statistical process control software (SPC) is used to measure, control, monitor or manage industrial processes without human intervention. SPC software uses statistical functions and techniques to provide continuous monitoring. Statistical process control software (SPC) also collects and displays data that managers can analyze for product and process improvement. Most SPC programs are designed to run on operating systems (OS) such as Microsoft Windows or Linux. Specialized and proprietary applications are also available.

Selecting Statistical Process Control Software (SPC)

Selecting statistical process control software (SPC) requires an analysis of product specifications and features. The collection, storage, retrieval, and conversion of raw data are important SPC functions. Most statistical process control software (SPC) applications include features such as data mining, charting and reporting, traceability, statistic analysis, and trend computation. Products that integrate with enterprise resource planning (ERP), manufacturing execution systems (MES), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and material requirements planning (MRP) are also available. Often, SPC data is stored in a relational database management system (RDBMS). Since most RDBMS use some version of structured query language (SQL) to define or manipulate data, SQL database support is an important part of managing a process control application.

By definition, process control is a statistical or engineering discipline that systematically studies significant variations in operational performance and product quality. Process control applications such as statistical process control software (SPC) are also used to determine root causes, correct problems, and verify results. Statistical process control software (SPC) enables continuous process improvements through decision-making, process analysis, process streamlining, waste reduction, support and service optimization, and quality control assessment. Charting is another important function. Some statistical process control software (SPC) provides flow charts that demonstrate the movement of work. Managers can also create flow charts to plot process data chronologically. Pareto charts are used to define major production problems, and control charts are used to determine statistical stability. Typically, a control chart includes minimal variations, or variations not contributed by a length of time. Some statistical process control software (SPC) applies the Six Sigma approach to process control, and uses data-driven methodologies to eliminate defects from any given process. Thus, the primary user group of statistical process control software (SPC) is typically a quality management department. These individuals work in tandem to integrate the SPC software with ERP, MES, SCADA, and MRP systems.