Statistical Process Control has been used since the 1980s to monitor processes statistically. Especially within production environments, this method offers many opportunities for improvement and growth. In this blog, we take you into the world of Statistical Process Control.
What is SPC?
Let’s start with the meaning of this commonly used abbreviation. So, what is SPC? Statistical Process Control, abbreviated as SPC, is a method for organizations that collect and analyse data. This allows the quality to be measured and controlled, as deviations in processes are detected and monitored more quickly. As a result, product quality increases while costs decrease. Win-win! SPC is therefore often used in production environments where there is a desire to increase the efficiency of production lines and product quality. The goal of Statistical Process Control is to eliminate and control deviations in production, resulting in a consistent and high-quality process.
How does SPC work exactly?
In Statistical Process Control, several steps can be followed, with four main activities distinguished: Planning, Investigating, Analysing, and Implementing.
Step 1: Planning
The first step in the SPC process is to determine the (sub)process you want to control and improve. Also, immediately identify the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for this process, so that you know which measurable aspects to focus on throughout the SPC journey.
Step 2: Investigating
SPC helps analyse problems. Therefore, investigating the problem is step two in Statistical Process Control. Regularly collect data on the identified KPIs. Depending on the chosen process for the SPC journey, this can be done manually or automatically/digitally.
Step 3: Analysing
After collecting the data, it’s time for the core task within SPC: Analysing. Using statistical analyses, histograms, and control charts, it can be determined whether the process is sufficiently under control. It’s also possible to identify the cause of any deviation in the process at this stage. These causes may include errors made by operators, machine faults, or issues with the materials used.
Step 4: Implementing
Once the causes of the deviations have been discovered, it’s time for action. By implementing corrective measures, the deviations should be rectified, and the process should be more controllable in the future. Remember to continue monitoring and improving. SPC is a continuous process where quality and efficiency increase to a higher level after each corrective measure.
What are the benefits of SPC?
We’ve already mentioned it briefly, but SPC can deliver significant benefits – especially in production environments. Ultimately, with Statistical Process Control, you work towards cost savings, quality improvement, and efficiency enhancement. But there are more benefits that SPC brings.
- Process control
Does the process actually deliver the required results? This question becomes much easier to answer thanks to SPC. By continuously monitoring the process, it is better controlled, and downtime or breakdowns are limited.
- Data-driven decision making
By collecting and analyzing data from the process, it becomes possible to make better decisions based on facts and data that actually stem from the process itself, rather than from previous experiences or assumptions.
- Proactive and continuous improvement
With SPC, you are proactively identifying and addressing problems that hinder the production process. This allows timely action to be taken, and you are fully engaged in continuously improving the process. By incorporating SPC into continuous improvement efforts, you also create a culture geared towards flexible action in the event of changes.
How can EZ Factory help with this?
There are various SPC tools to use. But, no matter how you look at it, it all starts with entering the right data on a clear platform. This is where EZ Factory comes in handy. With the EZ-GO app, you can immediately report anomalies or deviations in the process from the shop floor, in an online environment accessible to all stakeholders. This makes it easier to detect patterns, eliminate waste, and improve the process, and you stand strong during audits as you can access all the data directly! EZ-GO helps in collecting comprehensive data for SPC and many other improvement techniques for production environments. Would you also like to work with this insightful platform? We would love to explore the possibilities together with you!